An Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson said the U.S. frequently changes its diplomatic positions, sometimes within a few hours, during ceasefire negotiations [1].
This volatility in American policy forces Tehran to adopt a more fluid strategy. By maintaining flexible and temporary responses, Iran aims to counter sudden shifts in the U.S. approach to prevent diplomatic deadlock or strategic disadvantage.
Ismail Baghaei, the spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, said the issue in press statements issued from Tehran [1]. He said the speed of policy shifts in Washington necessitates a corresponding agility in how Iran manages its reactions [2].
"Washington changes its positions continuously and sometimes within a few hours," Baghaei said [1].
These comments come as both nations navigate complex negotiations regarding the cessation of hostilities. The Iranian government has signaled its intent to monitor these rapid transitions closely to determine the appropriate timing for its own official responses [3].
"We are following the rapid shifts in Washington's policies and will announce our responses in due time," Baghaei said [3].
Tehran's strategy emphasizes the need for responses to remain temporary rather than fixed. This approach allows the ministry to pivot as quickly as its counterpart in Washington, ensuring that no single Iranian position becomes obsolete due to a sudden American policy reversal [1].
Baghaei's statements reflect a broader tension in the diplomatic relationship, where trust is low and the perceived unpredictability of U.S. foreign policy remains a central hurdle in reaching a lasting agreement [2].
“Washington changes its positions continuously and sometimes within a few hours”
The Iranian government is signaling a tactical shift toward 'flexible' diplomacy to mitigate the risks of U.S. policy volatility. By characterizing American positions as unstable, Tehran justifies its own non-committal or temporary stances, effectively creating a diplomatic hedge that allows it to react to Washington's movements without being locked into a position that the U.S. may have already abandoned.
