The Iranian Foreign Minister, Araghchi, said on Monday that despite a lack of trust between Iran and the United States, the two countries are building consensus: "Americans have failed to fulfill their commitments, they tore up the agreement—these memories remain vivid in our minds. Therefore, we are formulating negotiation strategies and implementing consensus based on distrust and past experiences. We are striving to create as many economic opportunities for our country as possible. Naturally, the Foreign Ministry will not miss any opportunity, but we also won’t become overly fixated on any one opportunity."
This reflects the nuanced mindset of Iranians toward prospects for peace—willing to accept favorable conditions without rejection or resistance, yet constantly vigilant: the adversary is someone utterly untrustworthy. In the space between their own firm resolve and the opponent’s unpredictability, they seek openings.
U.S. Senator Mark Warner, Vice Chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee and representing Virginia, commented on Iran’s domestic situation, stating: "The Iranian regime has become even more extreme than it was at the start of this war. Our (American) economy has been thoroughly disrupted. And clearly, the Iranian military still possesses extensive capabilities. Why did Trump choose to launch this optional war? What have we gained?"
On the surface, this appears to be criticism of Trump, but in reality, it highlights Araghchi’s dilemma: he must prevent being deceived by Americans once again, while also providing sufficient justification to Iran’s domestic hardliners, avoiding being labeled as a traitor.
In Iran, where the Revolutionary Guard and conservative politicians dominate, diplomats walk a razor's edge.
One misstep could turn them into another Li Hongzhang.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1862352295185475/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.