Trump wants to reopen talks with Iran, but is the West ready to change its approach?

Trump’s miscalculations: maximum pres-
sure yields contrary results
Trump and his advisers believed that with-
drawing from the nuclear agreement and im-
posing further sanctions would force Iran to
succumb and accept a new deal. However, the
outcomes were entirely opposite. Since 2018,
we have witnessed:
1. Strengthened Iranian resilience: Contrary
to Washington’s expectations, Iran adopted a
policy of “active resistance” and expanded its
nuclear program, while keeping it within the
bounds of peaceful uses in line with the Nu-
clear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
2. Diminished U.S. standing: U.S. actions did
not isolate Iran-;- rather, they deepened the
rift between Washington and its European
allies, who refused to withdraw from the nu-
clear agreement after Trump did and resisted
Trump’s pressure.
3. Undermined diplomatic credibility: The
unilateral withdrawal from an international
agreement backed by a UN Security Council
resolution (Resolution 2231) and the Inter-
national Atomic Energy Agency harmed the
United States’ reputation as a reliable nego-
tiator.
Europe: between independence and de-
pendency on the United States
Europe finds itself in a complex situation.
The European troika ostensibly supported the
JCPOA but, in reality, failed to fulfill its com-
mitments. It succumbed to U.S. pressures
and failed to implement mechanisms like IN-
STEX, designed to circumvent U.S. sanctions.
Now, with Trump talking about negotia-
tions, Europe must decide whether to remain
tethered to White House policies´-or-to adopt
a more independent approach toward Iran. If
it seeks to revive the nuclear agreement or
reach a new arrangement, it must offer gen-
uine guarantees, including:
- Ending delay and empty promises:
Demonstrating genuine commitment instead
of formal statements.
- Investing in the agreement and economic
relations with Iran: Taking tangible steps to
support the agreement and enhance trade
relations.
- Pressuring Washington to lift unlawful
sanctions: Advocating for the removal of un-
just sanctions that hinder diplomatic prog-
ress.
One significant development in Iranian do-
mestic politics is the reemergence of Abbas
Araqchi, a key figure in the original nuclear
negotiations. His return as Foreign Minister
reflects Tehran’s willingness to engage in
dialogue, as announced by Iranian President
Massoud Pezeshkian, albeit conditioned on a
change in the West’s approach.
Recommendations for the West
To break the current impasse, the Unit-
ed States and Europe must realize that Iran
will not return to the negotiating table un-
der threats and sanctions. To achieve a sus-
tainable agreement, the following principles
should be adopted:
1. Ending the maximum pressure policy:
Sanctions have not weakened Iran nor cur-
tailed its nuclear program. The only path to
full compliance is a gradual lifting of sanc-
tions and rebuilding the lost trust.
2. Ensuring no further withdrawal: Iran’s
primary concern is the potential for the U.S.
to withdraw from agreements again. Trump,
or any future U.S. president, must guarantee
the reliability of any new deal.
3. Respecting Iran’s sovereignty: Iran has
repeatedly asserted that it does not seek
to possess nuclear weapons but retains the
right to peaceful nuclear technology. The
West should acknowledge this and address
its concerns through cooperation rather than
threats.
4. Ending double standards in the region:
If the West wants to prevent the prolifera-
tion of nuclear weapons, it must address the
nuclear arsenal of the Zionist entity, which
remains outside any oversight, while Iran, a
signatory to the NPT, faces continuous pres-
sure. This double standard undermines trust
and hinders diplomatic efforts.
5. Engaging in respect-based negotiations:
Iran asserts that negotiations can only oc-
cur from a position of equality and respect.
Policies based on threats will only escalate
tensions.
A Missed opportunity could await
Iran and the West stand at a crossroads
requiring decisive choices. Iran has demon-
strated its resilience against pressures, but if
the West is serious about seeking dialogue, it
must take tangible steps.
If Trump is sincere in his desire to negoti-
ate with Iran, he must translate words into
actions. The time has come to move beyond
media spectacles, lift unlawful sanctions,
and engage in smart, fair, and unconditional
negotiations. Europe must also choose be-
tween remaining a hostage to U.S. policies or
taking an independent stance.
Time is of the essence, and while Iran has
always sought diplomatic solutions, its pa-
tience is not infinite. If the West continues
its previous policies, the door to negotiation
might close permanently.

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