Tehran, Iran – Amid the ongoing US military buildup in the Middle East and the continued prospect of nuclear negotiations with Iran, an Iranian analyst asserted that Tehran is showing no interest in diplomatic maneuvering with the administration of US President Donald Trump. They indicated that the regime is prepared to endure significant damage if necessary. Arash Azizi, a historian of 20th-century social and political movements, told Voice of Emirates: “Theoretically, Trump might prefer to demonstrate his ability to extract concessions through negotiations. However, it is unclear whether the Iranian regime is capable of offering enough to avert strikes at this stage. Unless a major concession or a fundamental change is made, regional powers such as Turkey and Saudi Arabia might intervene to find a collective solution.”
Azizi pointed out that the Iranian regime’s capabilities remain limited compared to those of Israel and the United States. However, they are sufficient to inflict damage, especially if the regime is prepared to bear greater consequences for itself and the Iranian people. He added, “The regime is capable of attacking Israel directly. It can also target American bases in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and beyond. But a major escalation could push the United States and Israel to consider dismantling the regime’s leadership.” This analysis comes at a time when the Persian Gulf is witnessing a US military buildup. Meanwhile, indirect nuclear negotiations continue between Tehran and Washington. There are concerns that the continued diplomatic stalemate could lead to an unexpected military escalation in the region.
