Irans Negotiating Position Compared to Pre-War Stance

US and Iran Engage in Secret Diplomatic Talks

The US has established an indirect channel of communication with Iran through Egypt, Turkey, and Pakistan, according to two senior diplomatic sources. The talks come as President Donald Trump claims that Washington is engaged in “productive” discussions with Tehran.

Iranian officials have rejected Trump’s claims, calling them “fake news.” Behind the scenes, Iranian officials are seeking concessions from the US, including payment repatriations, guarantees against future attacks, and a new regulatory framework for passage in the Strait of Hormuz.

The US and Israel claim that their nonstop attacks on Iran have significantly degraded its military capabilities. However, Iran has shown it can still fire when it wants, with precision. The Pentagon states that 90 percent of Iran’s missile capacity has been wiped out.

Iran has adopted an “eye for an eye” policy to re-establish deterrence and ensure any threat is followed by action. Recently, Iranian forces hit Qatar’s main gas site, wiping out 17 percent of its export capacity, after an Israeli attack on Iran’s South Pars field.

Iran’s aim now is not just a ceasefire but a post-war order that restores deterrence and secures long-term economic and security guarantees. The country’s officials have proposed payment repatriations, firm guarantees against future attacks, and a new regulatory framework for passage in the Strait of Hormuz.

Analysts say Iran would seek to end the war on its own terms while extracting sanctions relief, reparations for damage, and economic leverage. Given how Iran feels the war has helped it win some economic relief that it didn’t get through diplomacy, analysts believe Iran is unlikely to forfeit its leverage without major concessions.

Source: Al Jazeera