Trump and Iran: A Shift in Strategy or Diplomatic Game?
WANA (Feb 06) – Donald Trump, whose withdrawal from the JCPOA marked the beginning of the maximum pressure policy, is now adopting a different tone regarding Iran. In a meeting with Benjamin Netanyahu, he uncharacteristically described Iran as “strong” but quickly added: “Of course, that doesn’t mean it can’t become weak again.”
He also reiterated that the U.S. would never allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons and, in line with this stance, signed a document to continue exerting pressure on Tehran.
However, just hours later, in a conversation with reporters, his tone shifted. When asked whether he was willing to negotiate with the Iranian president, he simply replied: “Yes!”
Pezeshkian: Iran Has “Never” Planned the Assassination of Donald Trump
WANA (Jan 15) – In an exclusive interview with NBC News, Iran’s President, Massoud Pezeshkian, stated that Iran is fundamentally ready for dialogue with a potential second term of Donald Trump’s administration. He emphasized, however, the importance of honoring commitments made during such negotiations, adding that Iran has “never” planned the assassination of Donald Trump […]
Carrot-and-Stick Approach Toward Tehran
During this meeting, Trump signed an official note reinstating maximum pressure on Iran while at the same time expressing his willingness to engage in talks with the Iranian president.
This contradiction is a clear example of the classic carrot-and-stick strategy repeatedly used against Iran: threats and pressure on one side and offers of negotiation on the other.
But this time, there is a key difference. Trump is no longer the same unilateralist president of 2018 who unhesitatingly abandoned the JCPOA. Now, even in his social media posts, he emphasizes the “need for a peaceful and verifiable agreement.”
#Trump: I Am Ready to #Negotiate with the President of #Iran
The #US President announced that he is ready to hold talks with the President of Iran. pic.twitter.com/RIbc9m6Ks6
— WANA News Agency (@WANAIran) February 4, 2025
Some analysts view this slight shift in Trump’s rhetoric as a political tactic. He is well aware that the maximum pressure campaign has not yielded the expected results. Instead of forcing Iran into submission, it has strengthened its resistance economy.
Meanwhile, America’s European allies remain concerned about his potential return to the White House, and Trump seems keen to present a softer diplomatic image at this stage.
In 2018, Trump withdrew from the JCPOA and imposed harsh sanctions on Iran, expecting swift results. However, rather than weakening Iran, these measures led to a more resilient economy and further advancements in its nuclear program.
One of Trump’s senior advisors commented: “Pressure on Iran is essential, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t pursue a better deal.”
Iran’s Strong Reactions
In Tehran, Trump’s statements sparked immediate responses. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi told reporters: “Maximum pressure has been a failed experiment. Iran remains a committed member of the NPT, and our stance on this issue is clear. Additionally, the Supreme Leader’s fatwa has explicitly prohibited nuclear weapons.”
#Trump ‘s remarks about #Iran not being allowed to have #nuclear weapons are obvious because we have declared that we are not pursuing and will not pursue nuclear weapons, and we are in contact with the [International Atomic Energy] Agency.” – Eslami, Head of Iran’s Atomic Energy… pic.twitter.com/TCFARssZcd
— WANA News Agency (@WANAIran) February 5, 2025
Mohammad Eslami, head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, also reacted: “Trump saying Iran should not have nuclear weapons is nothing new. Iran has never pursued, does not pursue, and will never pursue nuclear weapons.”
However, the strongest response came from Iran’s First Vice President, who firmly rejected any negotiations with Trump, stating: “Meeting and negotiating with Trump is not on the Islamic Republic’s agenda.”
He also pointed out: “If Trump believes Iran should not acquire nuclear weapons, that has always been Iran’s permanent policy. The U.S. president can rest assured—our stance is backed by a religious decree, and there is no debate on this matter.”
Aref’s Comment on Trump’s Remarks, Ban on Nuclear Weapons
WANA (Feb 05) – Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref has dismissed recent remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump, reaffirming that Iran’s nuclear policy remains unchanged and strictly adheres to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei’s fatwa prohibiting nuclear weapons. He also ruled out the possibility of any negotiations or a meeting between Trump and […]
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei emphasized: “Iran has repeatedly demonstrated its readiness for diplomatic engagement. However, it will stand firm against threats and pressure.”
Trump’s Dilemma: Pressure or Diplomacy?
In the hours leading up to signing the anti-Iran memo, Trump was seated at his desk, reportedly hesitant about his decision. A senior U.S. official present at the meeting revealed that Trump remarked: “I hope I won’t have to use this memo too often.”
Yet, despite his hesitation, he ultimately signed the document and told reporters: “We will not allow Iran to obtain nuclear weapons. Many high-ranking Iranian officials don’t want such weapons either.”
What is Trump’s 2025 Strategy Towards Iran?
WANA (Dec 23) – Following the helicopter incident involving Ebrahim Raisi, the late Iranian president, American analysts predicted his replacement by a more radical figure, potentially leading to internal fractures and diminished stability within the Islamic Republic. However, these forecasts quickly proved incorrect. The Islamic Republic demonstrated its resilience by restructuring its systems and achieving […]
Beyond Rhetoric: The Need for Concrete Policy Changes
The reality is that returning to negotiations requires more than just a change in tone—it demands a shift in concrete policies. So far, Iran has shown no signs of yielding to new U.S. pressures, while Trump remains committed to his economic and military strategies.
What is clear is that Iran has not backed down under maximum pressure, nor has it closed the door on diplomacy. If Trump is truly seeking a new agreement, this time he must go beyond media tactics and adopt a credible and practical policy.
During his first presidency, Trump’s maximum pressure campaign resulted in increased uranium enrichment and expanded stockpiles of 20% and 60% enriched uranium in Iran. If he hopes to achieve a different outcome this time, he will need a fundamentally new approach.
