Negotiations between the United States and Iran, fictional diplomacy sequence

To negotiate, there must be two parties involved. And in any negotiation, it is common to start by asking for a lot, often too much. Since Monday, March 23, Iran was denying any discussion with the United States. The Iranian state television confirmed on Wednesday, March 25, that the American peace proposal had been rejected by the regime. Both the United States and Iran accuse the other party of asking for too much. It’s a real sequence of diplomatic fiction.

On the American side, Donald Trump is proposing a complete surrender of Iranian power, which includes giving up everything, especially its nuclear program. The American plan entails zero uranium enrichment, dismantling the Natanz, Fordo, and Ispahan sites. Tehran should abandon its regional allies like Hezbollah and limit its ballistic program in both range and quantity. In return, Iran would receive a lifting of sanctions, but they could be reimposed if the agreement is not upheld.

Iran is demanding to retain control of the Strait of Hormuz. The Iranians raise the stakes by setting their conditions, including a general ceasefire involving all fronts, even in Lebanon. They also seek an end to the assassination of government officials, compensation for war damages, and acknowledgment of Iranian sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, which is currently controlled by the Revolutionary Guards.

In reality, it is the evolution of the military situation that will not only dictate the diplomatic pace but also the content of any potential peace negotiations. At this point, nothing is set in stone. The U.S. spokesperson stated on Wednesday that President Trump is prepared to “unleash hell” on Iran if no agreement is reached.