Trump’s overture to ...
Page 1
This was a tactical decision. The Islamic Republic’s broader strategy is fundamentally anti-oppression and anti-hegemonic. But decisions about when to negotiate, with whom, and where are tactical. Therefore, the Leader’s stance on this issue should not be read as immutable; if new conditions emerge, negotiations can resume.
If talks were to begin, what risks and opportunities would they present for Iran?
The most important opportunity is that Iran would be able to present its views directly to Trump and to hear his non-media, off-the-record views, because this man has shown that what he says in private policy rooms often differs substantially from what is said in the media. Second, it would demonstrate to the world that Iran is willing to come to the table. Third, Iran’s positions could be conveyed directly to the American side rather than through the media. Fourth, in general nothing would be lost. Iran’s international credibility would not be damaged as some claim. Loss would occur only if concessions were accepted.
The reason the US imposed war on Iran was because Iran stood firm on its positions in five rounds of negotiations. But there was nothing wrong with entering negotiations.
What message has Iran’s absence from today’s Gaza peace conference in Sharm el-Sheikh sent to regional countries and to the United States?
The decision to skip this conference served Iran’s best interests, because this was a top-down international gathering, not a forum where parties gather to arrive at a shared outlook. This conference was organized around a plan put forward by Trump and its agenda was predetermined. Why would the Islamic Republic serve as a decorative presence at such a gathering? Iran should participate in meetings where it can influence the content, convey its message, and contribute to the session’s conclusions. Had Iran attended, its message would have been completely isolated among the 20 participating countries. Why give legitimacy to a conference whose foundation ignores and overrides the rights of the Palestinian people and imposes on the people of the Gaza Strip the demand that Hamas must be removed?