Trump’s special envoy to the West Asia, Steve Witkoff, announced ahead of nuclear talks with Iran that preventing, what he said, the weaponization of Tehran's nuclear program is the United States' red line. However, Iran's distrust of Washington, stemming from previous U.S. failures to uphold commitments and the use of maximum pressure as a negotiation lever, continues to pose a significant barrier to any agreement.

Why it matters:
While the United States is looking for new ways to reach an agreement, Iran remains cautious and distrustful due to its past experiences with the U.S.

The big picture:
Witkoff emphasized in an interview with The Wall Street Journal that the U.S. is seeking new pathways for compromise. These remarks come as Iran's distrust of Washington, fueled by documented U.S. obstructions and maximum pressure tactics, complicates the negotiation landscape.

Key points:

  •   He mentioned that initial talks should focus on building trust and discussing the importance of reaching a deal rather than the specific terms of the agreement.
  •   The 2015 nuclear deal, which aimed to monitor Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief, was severely impacted by Trump's withdrawal in 2018.

Go deeper:
Iran has consistently expressed its readiness for honorable negotiations on various issues, demonstrating goodwill through its transparent approach to the peaceful nature of its nuclear program. Reports from the International Atomic Energy Agency, despite some political maneuvering, affirm this reality.

Hossein Amiri