Iran Seeks Guarantees Against Israeli Attack for New Nuclear Deal

Regional mediators are pressuring Iran to make concessions on its nuclear program to revive stalled talks with the United States, following President Donald Trump's rejection of Tehran's settlement offer. A senior Middle Eastern government official involved in the negotiations revealed to The Wall Street Journal that Iran had been prepared to compromise on its nuclear activities earlier this year with Vice President Mike Pence. However, Iran conditioned these potential concessions on receiving unambiguous guarantees that Israel would not launch further attacks after a deal between Washington and Tehran was signed.

The move was intended to prevent a return to full-scale conflict. As of now, Iran has not signaled any willingness to make the requested concessions. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif stated that while his country is open to diplomacy, it is fully prepared for a return to fighting, even a "Day of Judgment war."

Meanwhile, the leadership of the Revolutionary Guards believes it can withstand a naval blockade and intensified U.S. sanctions, anticipating a weakening of Trump's position ahead of the midterm elections. The U.S. maintains a firm stance, with Iran's economic losses from the naval blockade weakening its bargaining position. While Trump is reconsidering a potential offensive campaign and refuses to return to a previous framework that benefited Tehran, experts believe any Iranian concession at this stage would be interpreted as weakness, leaving both sides at an impasse and stretching diplomatic boundaries to their limit.