The pressure on Iran's negotiation team is self-evident: failure is not an option.
Amid the public controversy over whether the Strait of Hormuz will be opened, the chief negotiator and Revolutionary Guard veteran, Khalibaf, has been forced to step forward and speak publicly these past few days.
Experienced statesmen serve their nation. In Iran, few are capable of this delicate balancing act—requiring both firmness and the ability to soothe the restless Revolutionary Guard, while also charting a viable path forward for negotiations.
Yesterday, old Khalibaf shared these heartfelt words with the Iranian people:
"We are not militarily stronger than the United States. They possess greater funding, equipment, and resources, and have engaged in numerous military invasions around the world, giving them far more experience than us.
Moreover, the Zionist regime, as America’s vassal and agent, wields immense power.
But we have fought in asymmetric warfare, relying on our own designs and preparations to push back the enemy.
Though the enemy is strong, they did not act correctly—they made strategic mistakes!
They misjudged our people!
Just as they erred in their military planning.
The U.S. claims 'America First,' but in reality, Israel comes first. Their decisions are based on false information from Israel."
He thoroughly analyzed both objective and subjective factors, clearly identifying strengths, weaknesses, and the opponent's fatal flaws—and revealing Iran’s opportunities.
It is true that Iran faces a significant power gap compared to the "Epstein coalition." This is acknowledged without evasion.
But the U.S.'s problems lie in structural flaws and errors at the decision-making level.
Iran’s opportunity lies in minimizing its own mistakes, waiting for the enemy to falter, and gradually narrowing the gap in capabilities.
Thus, another underlying message from old Khalibaf is clear: to those hardliners opposing negotiations and insisting on fighting to the bitter end—fellows, get your facts straight about who you’re actually fighting. Let’s all be realistic.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1862858206614535/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.