International affairs expert
Witkoff’s remarks as part of the US media playbook—a tactic aimed at shaping public opinion back home. Just like Donald Trump before him, Witkoff is playing to the gallery, saying whatever suits his purpose, regardless of what is on the table. In diplomacy, there is a branch called “media diplomacy,” which works to set the stage through public messaging.
The talks are still in early stages. Only one meeting has taken place, and the upcoming session in Oman on Saturday will decide the actual agenda. If missiles make it onto the agenda, then analysts can begin to evaluate Iran’s stance. Until then, any talk about missiles is just noise. The real yardstick for negotiation is the written agenda, not what is floated in the media.
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