Inside Iran & the Region 004

Ali Akbar Salehi on Khamenei’s Red Line, Russia’s View of Nuclear Talks, and Growing Consensus on the US

Welcome to the fourth issue of Inside Iran & the Region, where I delve into critical developments shaping Iran and the regional landscape.

In this issue, I delve into three critical stories:

1. Ali Akbar Salehi on Khamenei’s Remarks Drawing a Red Line on U.S. Talks

   Insights from Iran’s former foreign minister and chief nuclear negotiator on Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei’s recent comments ruling out negotiations with the U.S., as well as his view on America’s global ambitions.
   

2. Russia’s Ambassador Speaks: Moscow Eyes a Role in Nuclear Talks

   An interview with Russia’s ambassador to Iran sheds light on Moscow’s ambitions to play a role in any future nuclear negotiations.
   

3. Iran’s Unified Response to Trump: From Pezeshkian to Parliament

   How Iran’s political establishment, from the reformist Pezeshkian administration to the conservative-dominated parliament, has rallied behind a firm stance in the face of escalating U.S. pressure.

1. Ali Akbar Salehi on Khamenei’s Remarks Drawing a Red Line on U.S. Talks

   
   Ali Akbar Salehi, a former Iranian foreign minister and chief nuclear negotiator, has provided a rare glimpse into how Iran’s leadership interprets U.S. intentions and global strategy—especially under Trump.

   

   Writing in Jamaran, a reformist-leaning outlet, his analysis provides a window into Iran’s potential approach to diplomacy and the thinking behind Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei’s recent declaration ruling out negotiations with the U.S.
   

   Salehi on Khamenei’s Dual Messaging:
   

   “The statements of the Supreme Leader always address two audiences: one is the domestic audience, for whom his words serve as a ‘reminder,’ and the other is the foreign audience, for whom his words serve as a ‘warning and caution.’ Certainly, our friends in foreign policy are aware of this subtle point.”

   This observation is significant in light of Khamenei’s recent remarks dismissing the possibility of talks with the U.S. Salehi implies that while the Supreme Leader’s rhetoric may appear uncompromising, it is carefully calibrated to reinforce Iran’s red lines without entirely closing the door to future diplomatic opportunities.
   

   Salehi on U.S. Ambitions Under Trump:
   

   Salehi’s article delves into what he sees as the core pillars of U.S. strategy under Trump, particularly in the Middle East and vis-à-vis Iran. He outlines several key objectives: