Original Source

Iranian officials have expressed deep suspicion over President Trump's peace talk proposals, fearing they are a ruse. Despite U.S. efforts to initiate talks, Iran points to past instances of U.S.-backed attacks during negotiations, while the U.S. maintains military pressure.

Iran Doubts Peace Talk Intentions

Iranian officials have conveyed to mediating countries their belief that they have been deceived twice by U.S. President Donald Trump and are unwilling to be fooled again. While the U.S. is pushing for in-person peace talks in Islamabad, Pakistan, Iran highlights that during two previous rounds of U.S.-Iran talks, Trump authorized crippling surprise attacks even while claiming to seek a deal. This includes an Israeli attack on Iran last June, days before planned nuclear talks, and a U.S.-Israeli attack three weeks ago, two days after a tentative agreement to continue talks in Geneva.

U.S. Military Pressure and Trump's Dual Strategy

Iranian officials have informed mediators—Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey—that U.S. military movements and Trump's decision to deploy major troop reinforcements have heightened their suspicion that his peace talks proposal is a ruse. Conversely, the Trump administration views the amassing of forces as a sign of serious negotiation from a position of strength, not bad faith, with one adviser stating Trump has "a hand open for a deal and the other is a fist." The White House has attempted to signal sincerity by suggesting Vice President JD Vance's possible involvement. However, U.S. and Israeli officials indicate Trump aims to build both diplomatic and military escalation options, with another two to three weeks of war planned even if talks occur. Trump instructed Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to maintain military pressure on Iran, with Hegseth remarking, "We negotiate with bombs."

*Source: Axios (2026-03-25)*

Related Articles