Why Iranians Are Unmoved by former Iran foreign minister Zarif’s Proposal to Declare Victory and Strike a Deal with the US
April 4, Hess Aminian
In a recent article published in Foreign Affairs, former Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif urged Tehran to “declare victory and make a deal that both ends this conflict and prevents the next one.” Zarif, who played a central role in Iran’s nuclear negotiations with the United States and other global powers for several years, presented what he described as a blueprint for ending the ongoing hostilities with the US and Israel on terms favorable to Iran.
While Zarif’s remarks have attracted significant attention in Western media, they have largely been overlooked within the Iranian diaspora. The muted response among Iranians reflects deep-seated skepticism toward the United States and a prevailing belief that conditions are not conducive to successful negotiations.
Many Iranians view Zarif’s call for dialogue as a fundamental misunderstanding of US intentions, citing past instances where negotiations were perceived as deceptive tactics by Washington. Critics argue that Zarif has yet to grasp the lesson that meaningful negotiations cannot occur with a party that allegedly uses diplomacy as a means of deception.
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Dr. Hossein Aminian holds a PhD in engineering, with his primary professional focus centered on materials science. Despite his specialized career, he has cultivated a strong personal interest in the Middle East, dedicating considerable time to following and analyzing the region’s complex political, social, and economic developments. Over the years, Dr. Aminian has developed a nuanced understanding of the Middle East’s evolving dynamics, combining his analytical skills from engineering with a passion for geopolitical affairs. This unique blend of expertise allows him to offer thoughtful insights into the ongoing challenges and transformations within the region, enriching discussions beyond his formal field of study.
