In this Gatestone Institute article, the author argues that Western leaders—especially under Donald Trump—are operating under a flawed belief that Iran can be negotiated with in good faith.
- The article asserts that Iran’s ruling regime is fundamentally ideological and not driven by typical geopolitical incentives.
- It argues that Tehran views negotiations as a tactic to delay and outlast adversaries rather than to reach genuine compromise.
- The author claims that U.S. policymakers repeatedly misread Iran’s intentions, assuming economic pressure will force meaningful change.
- Iran is described as seeing Trump as a dealmaker, which it exploits by prolonging talks instead of conceding.
- The piece suggests that past agreements have only strengthened Iran by giving it time and resources.
- It emphasizes that the regime prioritizes its revolutionary ideology over economic relief or international acceptance.
- The article warns that any new deal risks repeating the same pattern of temporary restraint followed by continued advancement.
- It concludes that without recognizing the true nature of the Iranian regime, U.S. strategy will remain ineffective regardless of leadership.
Read the full story: https://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/22422/trump-iran-illusion
