LONDON – US President Donald Trump resumed discussions about possible negotiations with Iran and claimed he sent a message to the leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah seyed Ali Khamenei.
This claim lies in the continuation of his “maximum pressure” policy on Iran. At the same time, senior Iranian diplomat and former negotiator Abbas Arakich emphasized that Iran will not resume negotiations as long as this hostile policy remains in place.
This attitude raises fundamental questions. Are the West, particularly the US and European troika (British, France, Germany) truly committed to resolving conflicts with Iran through diplomacy, or will they continue to rely on threats and sanctions?
Trump’s Miscalculation: Maximum Pressure gives the opposite results
Trump and his advisers believed that withdrawing from the nuclear deal and imposing further sanctions would force Iran to succumb and accept new deals. However, the outcome was completely opposite. Since 2018 we have witnessed:
1. Enhanced Iran’s resilience: Contrary to Washington’s expectations, Iran adopted a policy of “active resistance” to expand its nuclear program and maintain it within peaceful use in line with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
2. Our Decline: Our actions did not isolate Iran. Rather, they deepened the rift between Washington and its European allies, refusing to withdraw from the nuclear deal after Trump resisted Trump’s pressure.
3. Diplomatic credibility: The unilateral withdrawal from the international agreement supported by the UN Security Council resolution (Resolution 2231) and the International Atomic Energy Agency have hampered the US’s reputation as a reliable negotiator.
Europe: Between Independence and Reliance on the US
We find Europe in a complicated situation. The European troika superficially supported the JCPOA, but in reality they were unable to fulfill their commitment. It succumbed to US pressure and failed to implement mechanisms like Instex, designed to avoid US sanctions.
Now, as Trump is talking about negotiations, we have to decide whether Europe will remain connected to White House policies or adopt a more independent approach to Iran. If you are trying to revive a nuclear agreement or reach a new arrangement, you must provide a genuine assurance, including:
– Ending delay and empty promise: demonstrates authentic commitment in place of formal statements.
– Agreement with Iran and investment in economic relations: Support the agreement and take concrete steps to strengthen trade relations.
– Pressure Washington to lift illegal sanctions: advocate for the removal of unfair sanctions that hinder diplomatic progress.
One important development in Iran’s domestic politics is the reemergence of Abbas Arakich, a key figure in the original nuclear negotiations. His return as Foreign Minister reflects Tehran’s willingness to engage in dialogue, as announced by Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian, despite the condition that the Western approach is changed.
Western Recommendations
To break the current impasse, the US and Europe must realize that Iran will not return to the negotiation table under threat and sanctions. To achieve a sustainable agreement, the following principles must be adopted:
1. End of maximum pressure policy: sanctions have not weakened Iran and have not reduced its nuclear program. The only path to full compliance is to gradually lift sanctions and rebuild lost trust.
2. Securing further withdrawal: Iran’s main concern is the possibility that the US will once again withdraw from the agreement. Trump, or the future US president, must ensure the reliability of the new deal.
3. Respect for Iran’s sovereignty: Iran has repeatedly argued that it does not seek to own nuclear weapons and retains the rights to peaceful nuclear technology. The West must acknowledge this and address that concern through cooperation rather than threats.
4. End of the region’s double standards: If the West wants to prevent a surge in nuclear weapons, it must deal with nuclear weapons that are not surveillance. This double standard undermines trust and hinders diplomatic efforts.
5. Engagement in Respect-Based Negotiations: Iran argues that negotiations can only arise from a position of equality and respect. Threat-based policies only heighten tensions.
There may be missed opportunities await you
Iran and the West are at a crossroads that require a critical choice. Iran has demonstrated resilience to pressure, but if the West is serious about seeking dialogue, it needs to take concrete steps.
If Trump is sincere in his desire to negotiate with Iran, he must translate the words into actions. It’s time to move beyond the web of media, lift illegal sanctions, and engage in smart, fair and unconditional negotiations. Europe also needs to choose whether to remain hostage in US policy or take an independent stance.
Time is the essence, and Iran has always sought diplomatic solutions, but its patience is not endless. If West continues its previous policy, the door to negotiation could be closed forever.