Talks could be ...
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Chief negotiator Araghchi is one of the most consummate diplomats in the Foreign Ministry, having seen through the lengthy JCPOA talks and served in various governments. I believe he can steer the process with prudence.
Iranian lawmakers are standing firmly behind the negotiators, fully aware that the table is more than a place for talks—it is a battleground. Iran is going toe-to-toe not just with the US, but also with European powers like France, the UK, and Germany, who are now pushing for the snapback of sanctions on Iran.
Most international actors seem to be steering clear of muddying the waters, recognizing that both Iran and the US are key global players. Iran, in particular, holds massive sway in the Middle East, and if a war were to break out in the region, the fallout would hit home for many. Even Europe has come to see that the stakes of these negotiations extend far beyond Tehran or Washington and the outcome can either strengthen or threaten the interests of all countries.
Iran offers a lucrative, untapped market—with 85 million people and vast geography—and European firms have their eyes on it. A successful deal would rev up business and investment, especially for economies still reeling from the Ukraine conflict. No wonder European countries are not in the mood to rock the boat and sabotage the talks.
This could very well turn out to be a win-win negotiation, but only if the US refrains from turning it into political theater. Washington must avoid a repeat of its failed North Korea spectacle, where Trump’s flashy photos with Kim Jong-un led nowhere.
Iran has entered these talks in good faith, and its negotiators enjoy full domestic support. No matter the outcome, the negotiations will certainly benefit Iran. Either the US is genuinely at the table and the cruel sanctions start to lift, jumpstarting the economy, or the talks turn out to be another propaganda show and fall flat, driving home once again the trust gap and reinforcing Iran’s case of distrusting US intentions. Either way, Tehran has shown it is ready to talk—but not to sell out.