As the Trump administration considers potential action against Iran if negotiations don’t begin, Iranian officials are warning they may accelerate their nuclear program.
Behnam Ben Taleblu of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies suggests maintaining strong sanctions, targeting Iranian assets in places like Yemen, and supporting the Iranian people. He told Digital that this “maximum pressure” approach is key.
Lisa Daftari of The Foreign Desk cautioned against extending offers to Iran, arguing it would legitimize a regime that supports terrorism. She told Digital that the regime only responds to strength, not dialogue.
President Trump expressed interest in direct talks with Iran, believing it would be faster and more effective than using intermediaries. He said Iran seems concerned and vulnerable.
Trump threatened further sanctions on Iranian oil if Iran doesn’t negotiate on its nuclear program, and while he prefers a deal, he hasn’t ruled out military action.
Trump told NBC News that military action would result in unprecedented bombing.
The U.S. has increased its military presence in the region, deploying more fighter jets, bombers, and drones. The USS Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group is also being sent to the Middle East to join the USS Harry S. Truman.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, threatened a swift and decisive response to any U.S. threat. Iran is still suggesting indirect talks, which the U.S. is reportedly considering.
Taleblu believes Iran’s offer of indirect talks is a tactic to avoid a preemptive strike. He said it’s a way for the regime to reject Trump’s offer while still leaving the door open for talks that can be used as a shield.
President Trump sent a letter to Khamenei expressing interest in a nuclear deal. While bolstering its military in the region, the administration is reportedly weighing indirect talks to limit Iran’s nuclear ambitions and avoid direct conflict.
Experts warn that Iran has historically used negotiations to stall, cautioning the Trump administration against talks that could embolden the country.
Alireza Nader, an independent analyst, advised Trump to exert maximum pressure on the weakened Iranian regime. He told Digital that indirect talks are simply a time-buying strategy.
Nader recommends supporting the Iranian people, believing the regime is weaker than it appears.
Alex Vatanka of the Middle East Institute suggests Iran should seize the opportunity to negotiate, keep its civilian nuclear program, and make concessions on its size and duration. He told Digital that Trump is in a strong position, but that may not last.
Yair Lapid, former Israeli Prime Minister, said Israel will eventually attack Iran’s nuclear facilities, with or without U.S. support, according to a podcast interview with Mark Dubowitz of the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies.
Ali Larijani, an advisor to the supreme leader, stated that while Iran doesn’t want a nuclear weapon, it will have no choice if the U.S. or Israel attacks, in an interview.
reported in February that Iran has accelerated its nuclear program and is enriching uranium close to weapons-grade levels.
Danielle Pletka of the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) told Digital that increasing military assets in the Middle East is wise given the regional threats.
Pletka questions the Trump administration’s goals. She asks, what kind of deal the administration seeks?
Pletka told Digital that she is concerned that any deal resembling the JCPOA would only delay the Iranian nuclear program.
Pletka finds it strange that seems to favor a JCPOA-like agreement, which has drawn criticism.
Trump withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018 and reinstated sanctions. The Biden administration initially considered re-engaging with Iran but talks stalled due to Iranian politics and its support for terrorist groups.
Pletka believes Trump risks being seen as a paper tiger. She told Digital that his threats against Hamas and Iran may not be taken seriously.
Pletka believes this uncertainty allows Iran to exploit the situation.
Vatanka suggests Trump could achieve a political win by securing a better deal than the JCPOA, if Iran agrees to permanently limit its enrichment levels. He told Digital that the expiration dates included in the JCPOA don’t meet current standards.
“`