Iran should not fall for Trump’s words without seeing real action
US President Donald Trump has signaled Washington’s readiness to achieve peace with Tehran. This comes four months after the US pounded Iran’s nuclear sites.
In response to such contradictions, Iranian officials have stressed that peace with an aggressor, and with a nation backing other aggressors in the region, is simply out of the question. Still, Tehran has reaffirmed its openness to respectful and mutually beneficial diplomatic engagement.
Given Trump’s record of playing the media and waging psychological warfare, his recent statements have sparked skepticism, with some interpreting them as part of a deceptive agenda.
In an interview with Iran Daily, Jalaleddin Salimi, professor of international relations, described Trump’s remarks as part of a calculated ploy, warning that the Iran stay vigilant against possible consequences.
IRAN DAILY: Could Trump’s latest remarks about peace with Iran conceal a hidden strategy or an undisclosed agenda? If so, what dimensions and implications could this strategy have?
SALIMI: The US president is, in fact, a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Trump’s behavior reflects tactics drawn from cognitive and psychological methods, making his mindset and decision-making process hard to pin down. His primary strategy is to lure the Islamic Republic into taking the bait—into believing in empty promises and talks of a “comprehensive deal.” It’s a trap laid by a man whose deceitful nature mirrors that of a fool who can ask more questions than ten wise men can answer. Secondly, Trump has set conditions that no reasonable policymaker anywhere in the world could accept, targeting years of effort by Iran’s distinguished nuclear scientists and work devoted to peaceful and medical purposes.
Trump cannot be both a man of peace and a man of war. Behind the mask lies his true face, one already clear to the Iranian people, who have never witnessed any rational or measured approach from him. Together with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump pushed Iran into the 12-day war, and if their goals are not achieved, there will likely be renewed threats and even heavier assaults. Therefore, Iran must not be taken in by Trump’s rhetoric unless it sees tangible, meaningful action.
Given the current regional and international climate, how can the Islamic Republic best protect its national interests? Can engagement with the US offer a way forward, or would pursuing an independent path ignoring the US prove more realistic?
Iran can act in line with the three guiding principles of dignity, wisdom, and expediency to advance its national interests.
Under the principle of dignity, Iran should keep diplomacy on track in political, security, economic, and cultural domains, managing its relations transparently with the world as a nation pursuing its legitimate interests.
Under the principle of wisdom, it should act with prudence and intelligence as an active regional and international player—one seeking peace, stability, and cooperation rather than hostility and confrontation.
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