WANA (Apr 04) – During a conversation with reporters, then-U.S. President Donald Trump stated, “I think Iran wants direct negotiations.” While this sentence may seem simple, it carries multiple layers of diplomatic and strategic messages. It could signify a genuine shift in America’s approach to Iran or merely be a tactic to increase pressure on Tehran.

 

Some might even interpret Trump’s statement—made just days after receiving Tehran’s response—as a form of retreat.

 

Not only did Trump mention direct negotiations, but he also emphasized their speed and effectiveness: “I think it’s better to have direct talks. It gets done faster, and you understand the other side much better than if you negotiate through intermediaries.” However, the key point here is the sudden change in the U.S. president’s tone. While his administration had previously insisted on a “maximum pressure” policy, it was now signaling that direct negotiations might be the preferred option.

There is a well-known Persian proverb: “The best defense is a good offense.” It is possible that Trump, who just days ago was threatening Iran with bombing and military action, received a response from Tehran that made him change his tone—shifting to a seemingly conciliatory stance to mask a position of weakness.

 

On one hand, Washington knows that sanctions and economic pressures have not forced Iran into full submission. On the other hand, Trump’s administration may be seeking to de-escalate tensions.

 

Iranian officials have repeatedly stated that any negotiations must be based on mutual respect and conducted without preconditions.

 

Iran Warns of Nuclear Response to US-Israel Attack

WANA (Apr 01) – A senior advisor to the Supreme Leader of Iran stated that if the U.S. or Israel bomb Iran under the pretext of its nuclear program, Iran will be forced to move towards building a nuclear bomb.   Speaking in a news interview on Monday, March 31, 2025, Ali Larijani said, “Iran […]

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From a strategic standpoint, Tehran faces two options: continuing its policy of resistance against economic and diplomatic pressures or entering a path that could lead to direct talks. Although Iranian officials have repeatedly emphasized that negotiating under current conditions would be tantamount to surrendering to U.S. pressure, it remains possible that, under specific circumstances, new negotiations could be considered.

 

Meanwhile, other international players are closely watching the developments. Israel, which has consistently opposed any negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, now appears to be taking a different stance.

 

Israeli Foreign Minister’s recent statement—that “if diplomacy can prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, Tel Aviv will not oppose it”—suggests that Israel may have intelligence from within the U.S. government indicating Trump’s intention to negotiate with Iran. Alternatively, Washington might have assured Israel that any negotiations would only succeed if Iran’s uranium enrichment no longer posed a risk for weaponization.

Iranians take part in a protest marking the annual al-Quds Day (Jerusalem Day) on the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan

Iranians take part in a protest marking the annual al-Quds Day (Jerusalem Day) on the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan in Tehran, Iran, March 28, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

In this tense situation, Arab states of the Persian Gulf are also voicing their concerns, particularly as reports indicate that the U.S. has been increasing its naval and aerial presence in the region. According to news reports, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar have informed Iran that they will not allow their territories to be used for an attack on their northern neighbor.

 

Major European countries, too, are alarmed by rising tensions between Iran and the U.S. They see diplomacy as the only solution to the nuclear issue. French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian has warned that if talks between Tehran and Washington do not begin, war could become inevitable. In response, French President Emmanuel Macron has dedicated a cabinet meeting to the Iran issue.

 

It seems that, like many European countries, France opposes a military conflict between Iran and the U.S. However, at the same time, Paris might not be entirely opposed to increased pressure on Tehran—aiming to weaken Iran’s negotiating position in potential future talks. France has previously created obstacles in negotiations and has been particularly sensitive to Iran’s missile program.

 

Russia: Iran is a Russian Ally; All Sides Show Restraint

WANA (Apr 04) – The Kremlin spokesman stated that while Russia is currently working to restore relations with the United States, Iran remains a partner and ally with whom Russia maintains broad and multi-dimensional ties.   Dmitry Peskov made these remarks on Friday, April 4, 2025, in response to a question regarding threats made by […]

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Clearly, the European members of the P5+1, along with China and Russia, do not share the same stance as the U.S. They all oppose military action against Iran. Russia and China have publicly blamed Trump for the collapse of the nuclear deal and have rejected Europe’s threats to trigger the “snapback mechanism.”

 

One key development is that Rafael Grossi, the Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), is scheduled to visit Iran in the coming days to meet with Iranian political and nuclear officials. His trip is highly significant at this critical juncture and could influence whether tensions escalate or subside.

 

In the end, it remains unclear whether Trump’s statements are merely a temporary tactic or the beginning of a real shift in Washington’s policy toward Tehran. What is certain, however, is that without tangible changes in U.S. sanctions policy and credible guarantees, Tehran is unlikely to accept negotiations. At the same time, Iran must carefully calculate whether engaging in direct talks at this moment serves its strategic interests.