Bradeski: The Stage is Set for Confrontation Between the U.S. and the Iranian Government

Jason Bradeski, the policy director of the "United Against a Nuclear Iran" organization, wrote in an article published on the "Atlantic Council" website on Tuesday, March 5, that in his opinion, the political scene is not prepared for "agreement" but for "confrontation" between the U.S. and the Iranian government. Bradeski states that since the beginning of Donald Trump's second presidential term, there have been speculations about possible U.S. diplomacy with the Iranian government. He continues by mentioning that Trump has expressed a willingness to reach a political solution through negotiations with the Iranian government since withdrawing from the nuclear agreement "JCPOA" during his first term. However, he adds that in any deal, details are crucial and all conditions must be considered. Bradeski points out that contrary to some reports, the Trump administration has not yet expressed its approval of an Israeli military attack against the Iranian government, stating that it was not expected for the U.S. President to act differently at the beginning of his return to the White House. He notes that Trump needed time to build his team and formulate a policy that would ensure international legitimacy and support for military action if necessary. This expert emphasizes that the U.S. President should leave a path open for diplomacy with the Iranian government so that in case negotiations fail, he can have the support of his partners. According to Bradeski, signs indicate that the U.S. and the Iranian government are moving not towards successful diplomacy but towards confrontation. He further adds that the Islamic Republic has not softened its position on the nuclear issue even after severe blows to its proxy groups in the region and despite the weakening of some of its air defense and missile capabilities. Bradeski states that while the Iranian government has realized that the JCPOA is long dead, it is still seeking a new agreement based on a deal over temporary nuclear restrictions in exchange for the lifting of sanctions, using the JCPOA as a starting point or general framework. He continues by mentioning that some Iranian officials have indicated a willingness to discuss non-nuclear concerns, but those who are the real decision-makers in Iran, such as the Supreme Leader or commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, refuse to negotiate on missile programs, drone issues, and other important regional matters. According to Bradeski, contrary to the belief that fundamental changes in the positions and approach of the Islamic Republic are possible, history has shown that such interpretations are incorrect. He cites statements from Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, who last month described negotiations with the U.S. as "irrational, unwise, and dishonorable" and prohibited them. Previously, a spokesperson for the U.S. State Department told the Persian section of Voice of America that if the Islamic Republic is unwilling to reach an agreement, it will remain under the maximum pressure campaign. Donald Trump resumed the "maximum pressure" campaign against the Islamic Republic on February 5 by signing a presidential decree. This order blocks the Islamic Republic's pathways to acquiring nuclear weapons and counters its regional influence. Additionally, this presidential decree states that Washington will not tolerate the Islamic Republic's support for terrorism, especially against U.S. interests. The U.S. has not asked Russia to play a mediating role with the Islamic Republic. Britain: Activities for the Iranian government without official registration lead to punishment. Cyberattack possibly originating from the Islamic Republic; hacking of 30,000 devices with a botnet. The U.S.: Maximum pressure on the Islamic Republic will continue if no agreement is reached. U.S. and Israeli defense ministers: The Iranian government is a threat to regional security. Grossi: Iran's 60% enriched uranium has reached 275 kilograms.