Iran forced into talks for survival, former political prisoner says

A prominent Iranian reformist politician, Mohammad Ali Abtahi, has cautioned that the more positive the trajectory of nuclear negotiations becomes, the higher the risk of what he called mine-laying by those seeking to undermine them.

In an interview with the semi-official ISNA, Abtahi said that the framework for discussions between Iran and the United States is set on Iran not pursuing nuclear weapons and the US lifting nuclear-related sanctions, a goal he believes is achievable.

"The framework of Iran's negotiations with America is completely clear, and I think we are moving very well towards the frameworks," Abtahi said.

Abtahi warned, however, that "the more positive the talks progress, the higher the probability of mine-laying by major mine-layers, at the head of which is Israel."

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.

"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.

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.