Dr. Hassan Ahmadian, a professor of Middle East studies at the University of Tehran, said Iran did not enter negotiations from a position of collapse.
This perspective suggests that Tehran views its diplomatic engagement not as a concession to economic pressure or sanctions, but as a calculated strategic move. By framing the talks as a result of strength rather than desperation, the Iranian academic highlights the internal narrative driving the state's foreign policy.
Ahmadian said that Tehran's entry into the negotiation track is based on the principle that diplomatic talks follow armed confrontations. He said that these negotiations are limited to the outcomes of those military engagements [1]. This approach indicates a policy where diplomacy serves as a tool to solidify gains made on the battlefield rather than a means to avoid conflict.
The professor also said that Iran is exercising extreme caution in its current dealings. He said this caution is rooted in a profound lack of trust in the U.S. based on previous experiences [1]. This distrust informs the composition of the Iranian side of the talks.
Ahmadian said that the delegation sent by Tehran is a technical one rather than a political one [1]. By utilizing technical experts instead of political figures, the state maintains a layer of separation between administrative negotiations and high-level political commitments.
The academic's comments reflect a broader strategic stance where the Iranian government seeks to avoid the appearance of weakness under the weight of international sieges [1]. He said the current diplomatic trajectory is a reflection of this principle, ensuring that the state does not appear to be negotiating under duress.
“Tehran did not enter the negotiation track from a position of collapse”
The framing of negotiations as a post-conflict technicality rather than a political necessity allows the Iranian government to maintain domestic legitimacy. By asserting that diplomacy follows military outcomes, Tehran signals to both its internal audience and the US that it will not be coerced by economic sanctions alone, but will only negotiate based on its own strategic calculations and perceived strengths.
