Iran is growing increasingly skeptical about the United States’ seriousness and integrity in ongoing nuclear negotiations aimed at sanctions termination. This skepticism stems from a series of US actions and messages that Iran views as paradoxical and indicative of external influence.
While recent messages from the American side might outwardly suggest disagreements among various influential factions within US policymaking on the nuclear issue, the Iranian side interprets this situation differently.
Iranian observers believe the White House lacks genuine seriousness regarding negotiations and the path of diplomacy. Furthermore, Washington is easily susceptible to yielding to hardline factions that support Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
These doubts about Washington’s commitment have led to increased reluctance among Iranian side if there is minimal seriousness and integrity on the American side to continue the talks. The series of “highly paradoxical messages” broadcast by the US team are considered as contributing factors. Specific examples highlighted include the imposition of two rounds of economic sanctions by the US this week while talks are supposedly underway, as well as a recent “inflammatory tweet” by the US Defense Secretary that was immediately retweeted by American negotiator and Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff.
Meanwhile, the spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Esmail Baqaei, described the recent US sanctions as another clear testament to the contradictory approach of American decision-makers and their lack of goodwill and seriousness in advancing the path of diplomacy. He emphasized that the responsibility for the detrimental consequences and effects arising from the contradictory behaviors and provocative statements of US officials regarding Iran will rest with the American side.
These developments, reinforce Iran’s “deep suspicion that the US cannot decide independently of Israel even if it was willing to do so.” There had previously been serious doubts about US seriousness. For instance, the week-long gaps between negotiation rounds has been an evidence of a lack of genuine commitment from Washington and a “theatrical nature” to the US stated desire for talks.
