President Donald Trump has made it clear that he prefers diplomacy with Iran and wants to avoid military conflict. However, Iran’s response has been mixed. While some Iranian leaders have shown willingness to negotiate, recent actions suggest a shift towards a more hardline stance.
Before Trump took office, Mohammad Javad Zarif, who was Iran’s vice president for strategic affairs, indicated a readiness to engage in talks. He expressed this in various op-eds and during discussions at international forums. Similarly, President Masoud Pezeshkian had also suggested openness to negotiations in a media interview.
Yet, the mood has changed lately. After Trump reinstated a strict "maximum pressure" policy against Iran and warned of potential war, Iranian leaders have reacted negatively. Zarif has resigned from his position, and Pezeshkian has adopted a tougher tone towards the U.S. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, has also voiced skepticism about the possibility of fruitful talks with Washington.
On one hand, the Iranian mission to the United Nations recently showed some willingness to discuss military concerns about Iran’s nuclear program. This came shortly after Khamenei criticized "bullying governments," likely referring to Trump’s threats. Some observers hoped this indicated a potential for diplomacy. However, just days later, Pezeshkian firmly stated that he would not negotiate with Trump as long as the U.S. continued its threats.
Trump’s approach has been somewhat contradictory as well. He reinstated the maximum pressure policy through a less formal presidential memorandum, which is not legally binding. Despite this, he expressed a desire for a deal that would benefit both nations.
The situation has left many unsure about Iran’s official stance on negotiations. Some believe Iran is sending mixed signals as a strategy, while others think the political landscape in Tehran is too divided to present a unified position.
Iranians are still trying to assess Trump, especially since he withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal but now claims he wants to negotiate a new agreement. Interestingly, many Iranians expressed a preference for Trump over President Joe Biden. They feel disappointed with Biden’s administration for not making enough effort to revive the nuclear deal and for its unwavering support for Israel in regional conflicts.
Some Iranians believe that a strong U.S. president like Trump could pressure Iran to change its policies. They hope that this could lead to easing sanctions and improving relations with the West. Others think Trump, despite his tough talk, might be more likely to reach a fair agreement with Iran since he is seen as a dealmaker rather than a traditional politician.
While not all Iranians support Trump, a significant number do, primarily due to their discontent with the Democratic Party. They hope for a chance at diplomacy, recognizing the risks of military conflict. The future of U.S.-Iran relations remains uncertain, and many are waiting to see if diplomatic efforts can truly make a difference.