Diplomacy with Iran Damaged, Not Dead
DIDPress: New York Times argues that while Israel and Iran are engaged in a war that may become prolonged and expand, the possibility of restarting negotiations to address Iran’s expanding nuclear program should not be overlooked.
In an article titled “Diplomacy with Iran is Damaged, Not Dead,” the American newspaper wrote that the shape of future nuclear negotiations with Iran depends on when and how the Israel-Iran fighting stops.
The article noted that if war is “diplomacy by other means, diplomacy is never finished.” It says that while Israel and Iran are engaged in a conflict that may prolong and escalate, the possibility of resuming talks about Iran’s nuclear program should not be discounted.
The article explained that negotiations are currently suspended as the war continues, leaving the future of diplomacy highly uncertain. Iran feels compelled to respond to Israel, and Israeli operations may continue for days or even weeks.
It added that currently, Washington does not appear to be making serious efforts to pressure both sides to stop hostilities and resume talks.
New York Times wrote that the form of future negotiations will inevitably depend on when and how the conflict stops.
However, there is a perception that Israel cannot easily achieve its goal of destroying Iran’s nuclear program without active U.S. involvement – intervention that Trump administration has resisted so far.
Vali Nasr, professor at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and former State Department official during the Obama administration, said: “A quick agreement now that includes abandoning enrichment would be seen as surrender.” Such an agreement could make Iran’s government more vulnerable domestically.
“They won’t give up enrichment, not this easily. They are not going to surrender.”
Robert Malley, former U.S. official who negotiated with Iran on nuclear issues during the Biden administration, said: “The timing and form of future negotiations will depend on the duration of Israel’s attack and its results.”
He added that while Washington currently supports Israel’s operations, “at some point – preferably sooner rather than later – they will try to show restraint” to limit the conflict. Trump administration remains eager to reach an agreement and avoid being drawn into war.”