Significance
Any Trump-Rouhani meeting would undoubtedly involve discussion of religion and politics, since these issues have set both governments at odds since the Iranian Islamic revolution in 1979. This is important, since the nature of the influence that religion is having on US foreign policy is changing under Trump’s administration. The administration has often downplayed the role of ‘values’ (understood to be the promotion of democracy and human rights) in foreign policy. Now, religious freedom is emerging as a values framework. Religion is also used more frequently to justify the administration’s policies towards complicated issues including Iran and Syria, and counterterrorism.
Impacts
Defense Secretary James Mattis would likely oppose any attempt at regime change in Iran.
Emphasising religious freedom will play well to pro-evangelical voters, likely most benefitting Republicans.
The administration will increase funding for anti-genocide and anti-religious-persecution measures.
Perceptions that the Trump administration is ‘anti-Muslim’ could constrain it advancing foreign policy in Muslim countries.
US sanctions could be imposed on religious grounds, which could affect US and other investors.
