Iranian reformist warns of 'mines’ on path of talks

Mohammad Sadr argued that Trump's concern over Iran potentially obtaining nuclear weapons stems from the perceived threat to Tel Aviv, not Washington.

Sadr stressed the importance of understanding Trump's personality traits – describing him as narcissistic and unpredictable – arguing they heavily influence US policy.

"We must expect zigzag positions, fluctuations in behavior, and contradictory policies," Sadr said, advising Iranian negotiators to proceed with calm and patience. "We have to prepare ourselves for negotiation ups and downs."

Sadr suggested a deal might be feasible if Trump's focus remains solely on preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons – a goal Iran officially denies pursuing.

"However, if he wants to bring Israel's demands to the negotiating table – including a complete halt to enrichment or [curbs on] Iran's regional presence – naturally we will not reach an agreement," Sadr added.

He added that the outcome hinges on whether Trump's "personal desire for an achievement overcomes Israeli pressure for its security interests."

Mohammad Sadr argued that Trump's concern over Iran potentially obtaining nuclear weapons stems from the perceived threat to Tel Aviv, not Washington.

Sadr stressed the importance of understanding Trump's personality traits – describing him as narcissistic and unpredictable – arguing they heavily influence US policy.

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"We must expect zigzag positions, fluctuations in behavior, and contradictory policies," Sadr said, advising Iranian negotiators to proceed with calm and patience. "We have to prepare ourselves for negotiation ups and downs."

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Iran's diplomatic apparatus has been in communication with Donald Trump's team for the past two years, focusing solely on the nuclear issue during these contacts, a member of the Iranian parliament's National Security Committee said on Sunday.

Mohammad Mahdi Shahriari suggested this long-term communication channel demonstrated the "smartness" of Iran's diplomacy.

"During these meetings, the other side only raised the nuclear issue," Shahriari was quoted as saying.

He added that first-hand and precise information was gathered from these contacts over months and was provided directly to Supreme Leader and the country's diplomatic apparatus.

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Iran's nuclear and missile capabilities made the United States enter into negotiations, the Kayhan newspaper, which is seen as reflecting the views of Supreme Leader's office, argued in its analysis.

In an article on Sunday titled "Negotiation and the History Ahead," the hardline daily characterized negotiations, sanctions, and war as a historical toolkit used by "colonialists" to exert pressure, suggesting that unrealistic threats, or bluffs, are the most effective component of this strategy.

“They don’t have the stomach for another war – they only scare to gain concessions.”

The article also criticized what it called the "dual behavior of some insiders," accusing them of labeling critics who advocate for preserving national interests as "sanctions profiteers" while allegedly profiting from market volatility themselves.

Kayhan said that this group uses the ongoing negotiations as a pretext to manipulate Iran's economy by making it conditional on external factors and to deceive the public.

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The Islamic Republic is compelled to yield to demands made by the United States in ongoing negotiations primarily because the US retains the option of military action, according to Jalil Roshandel, a professor of international relations.

Roshandel told Iran International that the goals in the talks see Tehran seeking relief from sanctions and financial difficulties, while Washington aims to strip Iran of any military capability.

Roshandel said that “the potential for a US military strike always exists over the Islamic Republic's head," serving as an enforcement mechanism for US demands."It is for this reason that the Islamic Republic is forced to submit to America's demands.”