|
Trending Topics
|
Source: https://jcfa.org/the-iranian-regimes-deceptive-negotiations-strategy-no-surprises/
The Iranian Regime's Deceptive Negotiation Strategy
(Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs) Dr. Dan Diker and Dr. Harold Rhode - Tehran entered direct talks with the Trump administration in Islamabad, presented itself as a negotiating partner, demanded that Israel halt its ongoing operations against Hizbullah as a precondition for any agreement, and then walked away when the nuclear file remained unresolved. Days later, under the pressure of a U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports, the regime announced that the Strait of Hormuz was "completely open," only to have its Foreign Ministry dispute, within hours, the terms of what had reportedly been agreed. This conduct is called, in Persian, ketman, a tradition of concealment in which the believer is permitted, and at times obligated, to say one thing while believing and pursuing another. Iranians are adept at outfoxing their opponents by appearing polite and cooperative while simultaneously working to destroy them. The courteous posture at the table is part of its strategy. In the Iranian worldview, negotiations are for discussing terms after one side has already won. The regime's characteristic move is to concede in public, renegotiate in private, and reserve the right to deny tomorrow what was stated today. The regime in Tehran does not honor agreements. It exploits them. Every concession offered at the table is interpreted as weakness. Every pause is time purchased for enrichment and proxy reconstitution. The only language the regime has historically respected is the language of force, which must be credible, continuous, and, where required, kinetic. Dr. Dan Diker is President of the Jerusalem Center. Dr. Harold Rhode, a fellow of the Jerusalem Center, served as an adviser on the Islamic world for the U.S. Department of Defense for 28 years.