Prospects for Iran nuclear negotiations tempered by intimidation and conflicting signals

As Iran and the United States prepare to hold a second round of high-stakes nuclear talks in Rome, there is a cautious optimism tempered by threatening military actions and disparities in messaging. US President Donald Trump reminds Iran almost daily of its options: a negotiation or war. In response to the recent New York Times report, Trump stated that he “isn’t in a rush” to take military action but would rather give diplomacy a chance. Both sides described the first round of talks in Oman last weekend as constructive. Iran has returned to the negotiating table, despite maintaining that its decision was not driven by fear of military strikes. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, stated this week that direct negotiations with the US are “not logical, not wise, nor honorable,” but noted that the first round of talks proceeded “well.”

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwy7n905jqdo