•Trump’s Call for Talks and Iran’s Skepticism
U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed his desire to engage in direct talks with Iran, claiming that he sent a message to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, to initiate discussions.
However, Iran has firmly rejected the offer, citing the continuation of U.S. economic sanctions and aggressive policies.
Iran’s senior diplomat, Abbas Araqchi, made it clear that negotiations cannot happen under pressure, questioning whether the U.S. and its allies are truly committed to a peaceful resolution or merely using diplomacy as a means of furthering their geopolitical interests.
The standoff highlights a broader dilemma: Does the West genuinely seek a diplomatic solution, or is it relying on threats and sanctions as a means to exert control over Iran?
The Failure of the “Maximum Pressure” Strategy
Trump and his administration had anticipated that withdrawing from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal, and imposing severe sanctions would force Iran to concede and agree to a more restrictive agreement. However, this approach has backfired.
Instead of surrendering, Iran adopted a policy of “active resistance,” expanding its nuclear program while remaining within the framework of international regulations.
Moreover, the U.S. expected its European allies—Britain, France, and Germany—to abandon the deal in solidarity, but they refused.
Washington’s decision to unilaterally withdraw from a UN-endorsed agreement not only fractured transatlantic relations but also raised serious concerns about America’s reliability as a negotiating partner.
The move further eroded global trust in U.S. diplomacy, as countries questioned whether any future deal with Washington would hold.
Europe’s Dilemma: Between U.S. Pressure and Diplomatic Commitments
While European nations publicly criticized Trump’s withdrawal from the JCPOA, they have taken little substantive action to counteract its consequences.
They pledged to uphold the deal and proposed the creation of the Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges (INSTEX), a special financial mechanism designed to bypass U.S. sanctions and facilitate trade with Iran.
However, this initiative never became fully operational, leaving Iran to face the brunt of American economic pressure alone.
Now, with Trump signaling a willingness to negotiate, Europe faces a crucial decision: Should it continue aligning with U.S. policies, or should it assert greater independence and actively work to restore trust with Iran?
If European leaders are serious about diplomacy, they must move beyond rhetoric and take concrete steps, including:
- Ending empty promises – Europe must demonstrate a real commitment to the JCPOA rather than merely issuing statements of support.
- Supporting trade with Iran – To make diplomacy viable, Europe must take steps to shield Iran’s economy from U.S. sanctions.
- Pressuring Washington – If European leaders truly seek peace, they must push the U.S. to lift its unilateral sanctions and adopt a more balanced approach.
What the West Must Do for a Real Peace Process
Iran has made it clear that it will not return to negotiations unless the U.S. and its allies change their approach.
The road to a sustainable diplomatic solution requires a fundamental shift in Western policies. Key steps include:
- Ending the “Maximum Pressure” Strategy – The continued use of sanctions has only strengthened Iran’s resolve. A phased removal of sanctions is necessary to rebuild trust.
- Guaranteeing U.S. Commitment to Future Agreements – Iran’s primary concern is that Washington may renege on another deal, as it did in 2018. Any new agreement must come with enforceable guarantees.
- Respecting Iran’s Sovereignty – Iran insists that its nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes. The West must acknowledge this stance and treat Iran as an equal partner in negotiations.
- Ending Double Standards – Israel, which possesses nuclear weapons and is not a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), faces little international scrutiny, while Iran is subjected to severe restrictions. This inconsistency undermines global nonproliferation efforts.
- Engaging in Negotiations Based on Mutual Respect – Iran has signaled a willingness to engage in diplomacy, but only if treated fairly. Threats and economic coercion will only deepen hostilities.
The Risk of a Permanent Deadlock
Despite enduring years of economic and political pressure, Iran has not backed down. However, if the West remains rigid in its approach, Iran may eventually decide that diplomacy with the U.S. and Europe is futile.
For Trump, this presents a crucial test. If he genuinely seeks a diplomatic resolution, he must demonstrate sincerity by easing sanctions and engaging in fair, results-oriented negotiations.
Europe, too, must decide whether it will continue following Washington’s lead or take an independent stand in favor of diplomacy.
If the West refuses to change course, Iran may close the door on negotiations permanently, making any future agreement far more difficult—if not impossible—to achieve.
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