Tehran aims to maintain leverage, avoid immediate concessions, and preserve the status quo, while managing domestic unrest and preparing for potential U.S. actions
Iran has an interest in delaying its negotiations with the Trump administration, despite the risks involved. As is well known, Whitkopf is not only involved in negotiations with Iran but also in other regions, primarily Ukraine. The longer the talks with Iran continue, the more it may pressure him to reach agreements with Iran quickly, making concessions in Iran’s favor, so he can return to focus on Ukraine. After all, there is at least a small chance of a Nobel Prize for Trump in Ukraine—but not with Iran.
Kushner, who joined the negotiations with Iran, also wants to quickly return to other areas of focus, including Gaza. Therefore, Iran also wants to prolong the negotiations with him to push Kushner to reach agreements with Iran as soon as possible, even if that requires concessions. Kushner also seeks rapid “industrial calm” with Iran so that Iran does not interfere—through Hamas and Islamic Jihad—with projects he is involved in regarding the reconstruction of Gaza.
Time allows the Iranian regime to continue suppressing what remains of the protest wave and to improve its military preparedness.
