Smart Management of Red Lines in the Face of US Pressure

TEHRAN (Defapress) - Indirect talks between Iran and the United States, which began yesterday (Saturday) in Muscat, the capital of Oman, contain significant signs of a shift in the diplomatic balance between the two countries. Despite U.S. pressure and Washington’s explicit positions, particularly during Donald Trump’s presidency, Iran has managed not only to shape the framework and content of the negotiations in a way that aligns with its red lines but also to relocate the talks from Abu Dhabi to Muscat, a neutral and trusted country. These developments are a clear indication of Iran’s relatively stronger position in the current negotiation equation.

Accordingly, while the U.S. has spent the past years withdrawing from the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) and imposing the harshest sanctions in pursuit of "changing Iran’s regional behavior," Tehran—through a strategy combining smart resistance and active diplomacy—has succeeded in steering the current talks toward a narrowly defined agenda focused solely on nuclear issues. This can be inferred from the composition of the negotiating teams and the official statements from both sides.

The Iranian delegation, headed by Abbas Araghchi and including figures such as Majid Takht-Ravanchi and Kazem Gharibabadi, consists entirely of individuals well-versed in the nuclear dossier and well-acquainted with international legal frameworks. On the other side, Steve Witkoff, Biden’s special advisor on West Asian affairs, leads the American delegation. However, contrary to some analyses, none of his team members specializes in missile or regional issues. This composition itself indicates that Iran has clearly managed the content of the negotiations and kept within a limited framework.

Moreover, many observers believe that the shift in the talks’ location from Abu Dhabi to Muscat represents a significant diplomatic achievement for Tehran. Although the UAE has ostensibly sought to play a mediating role in recent months, its strategic closeness to the U.S. and Israel has led Iran to doubt its neutrality. In contrast, Oman holds a different position, given its historical role in facilitating secret Iran-U.S. negotiations in 2012 and 2013. Therefore, the choice of Muscat as the host city not only conveys Tehran’s distrust of Western-aligned actors but also signals Iran’s ability to shape the negotiation environment in its favor.

Trita Parsi, vice president of the Quincy Institute, wrote in an analysis for MSNBC: "By skillfully managing multilateral pressures, Iran has been able to distance the negotiations from regional issues and influence in West Asia, focusing instead on the reinstatement of nuclear restrictions." He added: "This is a diplomatic victory for Iran, as the Trump team now finds the only viable option to curb Tehran’s nuclear program lies in limited negotiations."

In this context, the international landscape also matters. While the U.S. is grappling with multiple crises—including tensions in Eastern Europe, strained relations with China, and the Gaza war—Iran has leveraged its geopolitical position as an established player in West Asia. Continued strategic ties with Russia and China, advancements in drone and missile technology, and Iran’s regional presence all serve as leverage that strengthens its bargaining power vis-à-vis the U.S.

Ultimately, although it is still too early to predict the final outcome of the Muscat talks, the structure, format, and content of these negotiations clearly demonstrate that Tehran has skillfully imposed its red lines.