DID Press: Barry Rosen, a former American diplomat and one of the hostages held during the Iran Hostage Crisis, has assessed the ongoing negotiations between Iran and United States in Pakistan, stating in a post on the X that despite the many complexities, the process cannot be ignored.
He emphasized that his personal experience shows that “war will never defeat Iran,” noting that previous U.S. efforts have failed to achieve decisive results.
According to Rosen, Iran does not collapse under pressure but instead “absorbs, adapts, and waits”—a pattern he says he witnessed firsthand during his 444 days in captivity.
Rosen wrote that what troubles him most is not that Iran currently holds a stronger position, but that “the United States has allowed this situation to be handed over to Iran.”
He argued that the current negotiation framework is being shaped by Tehran, encompassing issues ranging from control of the Strait of Hormuz to the simultaneous pursuit of sanctions relief, recognition of enrichment rights, withdrawal of U.S. forces, and a broader agreement addressing developments in Lebanon and Gaza Strip.
Rosen warned that if military strikes by Israel continue and Washington proves unable or unwilling to halt them, none of the potential pathways toward a sustainable agreement will remain viable—an outcome he described as deeply concerning.