The West Is Falling into Iran’s Trap – Again

The West Is Falling into Iran’s Trap – Again

Majid Rafizadeh

The Iranian regime is once again celebrating having diplomatic negotiations with the United States, this time under the Trump administration. Tehran’s leaders have been framing these renewed talks as a positive that will enable them to retain their hold on power, and their nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs to unleash at a later date.

Iranian officials, including leading figures in the foreign ministry, have voiced optimism about the direction of diplomacy, portraying the Trump team’s willingness to engage as a step toward “mutual understanding.” They would like the world to believe that diplomacy is working – when in reality, it is a trap. 

The excitement in Tehran is not a signal of peace or cooperation; it is a victory celebration. Whenever a terrorist regime that chants “Death to America” starts smiling about negotiations, it is not diplomacy – it is a win.Iran’s rulers are doubtless thrilled about “talks.” What is the alternative? A full-scale military operation targeting and destroying their nuclear infrastructure? That is probably the only thing that has ever truly terrified the mullahs. It has been reported that President Donald Trump waved off an Israeli proposal to strike Iran’s nuclear sites. His act was no doubt seen as a signal by Tehran that Washington would not act militarily.

The Iranian regime knows that without its nuclear program, it is nothing. It has no legitimacy and no protection from collapse. Its nuclear program is the regime’s survival and expansion plan – its insurance policy. Without it, the Islamic Republic stands naked before its enemies, vulnerable to the same fate as other fallen despots.

Iran, like North Korea, sees nuclear weapons as the ultimate deterrent, the only thing keeping it rulers safe from both domestic overthrow and foreign intervention. The Iranian people have risen up time and time again, risking their lives in nationwide protests. Every uprising threatens the regime’s weakened existence.

Iran’s ruling mullahs, who have been here before, know this playbook well. The moment Trump was elected, Iran rushed to ask the European Union to help resume negotiations. Why the sudden interest in diplomacy? Pure fear. The mullahs suspected that Trump’s second term might bring with it a more aggressive U.S. posture – possibly even military strikes. So, they did what they always do: stall, delay, and bait the West into negotiations. Talk just enough to ease the pressure, pretend just enough to appear cooperative, and wait out the clock. It is a scam they have been running for ages.

Economically, Iran is on the brink. Its currency is in free fall, inflation is out of control. China has been buying Iran’s oil at enormously reduced prices. Iran’s shattered economy is also a reason the regime welcomes talks. Talks offer hope of sanctions relief, currency stabilization, and international legitimacy – all while buying time to continue uranium enrichment behind closed doors. The West calls it a “deal.” Iran calls it a jackpot.

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