The talks are ongoing, but they are not moving forward. While Washington is pushing for progress, what only weeks ago looked like unity is unraveling in Tehran. During the war, control held, messages were aligned, the leadership appeared unified. Now that concessions are on the table, that order is breaking apart. This became visible in the first round of talks in early April. Iranian representatives remained vague whenever details were discussed. Issues that had previously been considered negotiable were not elaborated. For the mediators, it quickly became clear that negotiations were not only taking place with the United States, but that a conflict within the system itself was unfolding at the same time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the center is an open power struggle. On one side are forces around the Revolutionary Guards, rejecting any form of compromise. On the other side are politicians who know that the economic situation leaves almost no room for maneuver. The pressure is coming from the outside and at the same time from within. That is exactly what makes every negotiation unpredictable. Those sitting at the table are not speaking for a unified line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n