The Iranian delegation held its first internal consultation of the day (pictured), preparing for the tough challenges ahead.
However, judging from the U.S. side's behavior, it doesn't seem serious about genuine negotiations.
First, Trump continues to frame the entire negotiation around the single issue of "no nuclear weapons," despite knowing full well that Iran does not possess nuclear weapons—because a religious ruling issued by the late Ayatollah Khamenei explicitly declared owning nuclear weapons to be against Islamic doctrine.
Trump himself has repeatedly claimed to have 'destroyed' all of Iran’s nuclear programs and achieved all American objectives in the conflict.
On this point alone, his true intention is clearly to make concessions.
Second, Trump openly stated that Iranian negotiators are “alive only to negotiate.”
The minimum precondition for sincere negotiations is to create a favorable political atmosphere—not threatening the lives or civilization of the other party.
As a master of negotiation psychology, did Trump really intend to sit at the table in good faith with such provocative rhetoric?
Moreover, by remaining silent amid Israel’s recent massive strikes on Lebanon, and openly lying by claiming Lebanon was never part of the ceasefire agreement—this nearly puts Pakistan on the fire, as the written text clearly includes Lebanon’s ceasefire.
Breaking promises before negotiations even begin—what does this signify?
Looking at the composition of the U.S. delegation, it's evident that there are no widely recognized nuclear experts present. Professional dialogue requires expertise; only professionals can reach meaningful results.
The U.S. deliberately excluded experts with nuclear technology backgrounds, precisely to avoid being challenged on technical details at the negotiating table—thus preventing the exposure of Trump’s baseless claims.
By intentionally blurring the distinction between low-enriched uranium for civilian use and weapons-grade material, the U.S. turns the talks into a conversation between deaf people. This makes refusal to compromise much easier.
Negotiation is an art of compromise—Trump surely understands this.
It now comes down to whether the U.S. will submit an un-negotiable list of demands.
This would amount to refusing to negotiate altogether.
Effective diplomacy requires mutual concession, not orders.
Wens said he has the “clear guidance” from the president.
Let’s see how he performs on Trump’s behalf.
The Iranians fully understand whom they are dealing with—they are negotiating while holding the trigger.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1862171816131584/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.