Trump team divided as Iran weighs talks

In just a few days, U.S. President Donald Trump extended a diplomatic overture to Iran while simultaneously targeting Tehran’s allies in Yemen with airstrikes. His administration has renewed calls for Iran to dismantle its nuclear program, yet hinted at greater flexibility in diplomatic efforts, creating confusion over Washington’s true intentions.

Trump revealed earlier this month that he had sent a letter to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei proposing negotiations over Iran’s nuclear activities, while warning of military consequences if Tehran refuses. At the same time, top officials within his administration remain split, with some pressing for the complete dismantling of Iran’s nuclear capabilities and others suggesting a more pragmatic verification-based deal.

Steve Witkoff, a Trump confidant now acting as a diplomatic envoy, appeared to support a negotiated agreement resembling the 2015 deal crafted by former President Obama. His comments in a recent interview hinted that Trump might accept a verification regime instead of demanding total dismantlement. However, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz reaffirmed that full denuclearization remains the official U.S. objective.

Despite Iran’s insistence that it does not seek to build a nuclear weapon, U.S. intelligence assessments suggest Tehran could produce one rapidly if it chose to.

Analysts like Ali Vaez from the International Crisis Group argue that Iran will not be coerced into talks under threats, especially considering Trump’s history, including the assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani in 2020.

Diplomacy, Distraction, or Delay?

Trump’s re-engagement with Iran is taking place during a time of strategic vulnerability for the Islamic Republic. Two of its key regional allies — Hamas and Hezbollah — have suffered severe blows, and Syria’s Assad regime has collapsed. Meanwhile, U.S. strikes on Houthi rebels in Yemen have intensified following their attacks on international shipping.

Experts suggest Trump may be trying to create diplomatic space while keeping pressure high. Some believe Iran could be tempted to strike a symbolic deal that benefits both sides — giving Trump the optics of a stronger agreement than Obama’s, while offering Tehran some relief from sanctions.

Still, Israeli concerns loom large. With a history of preemptive action against Iranian targets, Israel remains wary of Tehran’s nuclear potential and continues to work closely with Gulf states behind the scenes. However, its renewed military campaign in Gaza could strain those regional ties.

Behnam Ben Taleblu of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies emphasized that a credible threat of U.S. and Israeli military action remains key to securing any agreement with Tehran. He also warned that Iranian officials may be using diplomatic overtures to stall for time while continuing their nuclear pursuits.

In summary, while Trump claims to pursue diplomacy, his administration’s approach reflects a mixture of pressure tactics, mixed signals, and geopolitical maneuvering — leaving the door open to both negotiations and confrontation.