On a not-so-new Middle East – Zvi Bar’el in Haaretz: ‘He [Ali Larijani] was deeply involved in past rounds of negotiations with the United States, supported the original nuclear agreement and pushed for renewed talks.
He knows what Trump would likely demand: a full dismantling of the nuclear program, an end to ballistic missile production and a severing of ties with Iran's regional proxies. The question is whether Trump would accept a formula that leaves the regime intact even if those conditions are met.
To secure such a deal, Larijani would have to persuade Trump that regime change is neither realistic nor desirable.’

And: ‘It would not be a "new Middle East." But it might be packaged, at least in Washington, as a decisive victory.’

On Monday, Trump didn’t urge the Iranians to overthrow their government anymore.

For now, I’m betting on a face-saving deal for all sides.

Poor Iranians.

(a sf 2069)