While the US insists on direct negotiations, Iran has maintained its independence and is only willing to engage in indirect discussions, stating that any military action against Iran will lead to a widespread war.
These remarks, made during an interview with NBC News, reflect an old strategy of the Trump administration regarding Iran—a strategy based on threats, maximum pressure, and attempts to coerce Iran into retreating. While Tehran has consistently emphasized that its nuclear program is peaceful, Washington, by reiterating this claim, seeks to use "diplomacy of coercion" to force Iran into a new, favorable agreement for the US.
Iran's Firm Response: Rejection of Pressure and Threats
Iran, however, has demonstrated that it will not be passive in the face of US hreats. Senior officials of the country announced in tandem with sending a letter in response to Trump that Iran, while exercising restraint, will never enter into direct negotiations with the US under threat and will not succumb to Washington's unlawful and excessive demands. Among them, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, the Speaker of Parliament and a member of the Supreme National Security Council, emphasized during this year's Quds Day that any military action by the US would be met with a "proportional" response, which could lead to a widespread war in the region. In his recent statements, Qalibaf warned that any military aggression against Iran would also put US bases and their allies at risk. This clear message signifies Iran's readiness to confront any hostile actions.
Iran's Response to the US: Indirect Negotiation but with Distrust
Alongside Trump's military threats, claims of negotiations between Iran and the US have also surfaced in the media. Masoud Pezeshkian, the President of Iran, affirmed during a cabinet meeting that the Islamic Republic's response to Trump's letter has been conveyed to the American side through Oman. He clarified that while direct negotiations have been rejected, the pathway for indirect talks remains open. Iran has consistently shown that it does not shy away from negotiations, yet it remains skeptical regarding the good faith of the US. According to Pezeshkian, this skepticism stems from Washington's repeated breaches of international agreements and the unilateral economic pressures imposed on Iran.
Trump's Efforts to Showcase Success in Foreign Policy
Donald Trump is well aware that Iran will not submit to his threats. Nevertheless, he is attempting to portray Iran's clear and firm responses in a way that suggests Tehran is retreating under his pressures. In reality, Trump employs this tactic for media achievement and to garner domestic support. Having been unsuccessful in most foreign policy matters thus far, he needs to present himself as a successful politician on the international stage. Thus, creating a media narrative around Iran-US negotiations could be part of his strategy to showcase success.
Role of Media in Advancing Trump's Strategy
Media has always been one of the main tools in US foreign policy. In this context, networks such as CNN and NBC play a significant role in shaping public opinion. The dissemination of unconfirmed news regarding the initiation of negotiations between Iran and the US could be part of a media operation aimed at influencing both domestic and international public opinion. Although no official from Tehran or Washington has confirmed these negotiations so far, the release of such news could bolster the US pressure strategy.
Iran's Policy Towards Threats and Coercive Diplomacy
In recent years, Iran has shown that it organizes its foreign policy based on specific principles and will not follow the "diplomacy of coercion" practiced by the US Tehran has not only stood firm against military threats but has also consistently emphasized its independence in diplomatic matters. Rejecting direct negotiations with the US and insisting on indirect talks mediated by Oman reflect this strategy. Considering past experiences, including the US withdrawal from the JCPOA, Iran is distrustful of Washington's promises and demands practical guarantees for any potential agreements.
Trump's Game and the Realities of Iran's Policy
Through his threats, Trump seeks to create an atmosphere that suggests Iran has yielded to his pressures. However, in practice, Tehran has not only resisted but is also striving to advance the path of diplomacy based on its national interests while maintaining its principled positions. In this context, media maneuvering and attempts to showcase success in foreign policy are parts of Trump's strategy. However, as long as Tehran and Washington do not officially confirm the subject of negotiations, these reports can only be regarded as media speculation.
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