Trump Affirms: Negotiations with Iran Ongoing, Desire for Agreement – Calls for Negotiators to Take Charge

United States - Ekhbary News Agency

Trump Affirms: Negotiations with Iran Ongoing, Desire for Agreement – Calls for Negotiators to Take Charge

In remarkable statements that have once again drawn attention to one of the most complex issues in American foreign policy, former US President Donald Trump affirmed that negotiations with Iran are currently underway, indicating Tehran's desire to reach an agreement. Speaking on the matter, Trump called for negotiators to take charge, cautioning against a repeat of what he described as the 'midnight hammer operation' that his administration resorted to previously.

These statements come at a time when relations between Washington and Tehran are experiencing continuous tension, with diplomatic efforts to revive the Iranian nuclear deal (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, JCPOA) remaining stalled. Trump's words suggest his conviction that the Iranians are keen on striking a deal, a perspective that sometimes contrasts with current official rhetoric describing the Iranian stance as unyielding.

Trump stated: "Let the negotiators handle it… The Iranians want to reach something, and we will see if something gets done." This call for focusing on diplomacy, despite its strong tone, reflects an aspect of Trump's approach, which combined maximum pressure with an openness to dialogue, albeit on his own terms.

In recounting the complex history of US-Iranian relations, Trump added: "They had a chance before to reach a deal, but it didn't work out, and then we carried out a midnight hammer operation." This reference to a "midnight hammer" raises questions about the nature of the measures his administration took after previous attempts to reach an agreement failed, which are believed to include escalating economic sanctions and increased military tensions in the region. He emphasized: "I don't think they want to repeat that again, but they want to negotiate… and we are negotiating with them currently."

Trump's statements are significant, not only because they come from a former president with considerable influence over the Republican Party and American politics, but also because they touch upon the core of the dispute over Iran's nuclear program. The Trump administration withdrew from the nuclear deal in 2018, imposing an unprecedented series of sanctions aimed at forcing Tehran to the negotiating table under new American conditions. This policy, known as "maximum pressure," led to a significant deterioration in relations and an escalation of tensions in the Gulf.

It is intriguing that Trump continues to assert the existence of "currently ongoing" negotiations, which may reflect his personal view on the continuity of indirect diplomatic channels, or perhaps his future political aspirations. Under the current administration of President Joe Biden, there have been attempts to revive the nuclear deal, but these have faced considerable difficulties due to disagreements over the terms of returning to the agreement and the guarantees required by both sides. While some regional countries, such as Oman and Qatar, seek to play a mediating role in de-escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran, the diplomatic path remains fraught with challenges.

Trump's call to "let the negotiators handle it" can be interpreted as an encouragement for dialogue, but it comes with an implicit warning of potential consequences if an agreement is not reached. This balance between advocating for diplomacy and hinting at pressure reflects the strategy Trump pursued during his term, which left a complex legacy for the Biden administration.

The question remains open as to whether these statements will bring about any change in the current or future dynamics of negotiations between the United States and Iran, or if they are merely a reminder of a previous phase in the tumultuous history of relations between the two countries. With ongoing regional and international challenges, the Iranian file remains a pivotal point requiring exceptional diplomatic acumen and a deep understanding of mutual interests.

Ekhbary News Agency