Daijiworld Media Network - Tehran

Tehran, Apr 11: As Pakistani leadership describes the Islamabad talks as make-or-break, ordinary Iranians remain deeply sceptical about the prospects of negotiations, according to Professor Zohreh Kharazmi of the Faculty of World Studies at the University of Tehran.

“Iranians are not really optimistic because there is no trust,” Kharazmi said, noting that many believe the United States and its allies are not reliable negotiating partners.

She pointed to a pattern in past engagements where negotiations were allegedly used as a cover for strategic actions, describing them as “a clock to cover acts of aggression”. Referring to the tenure of former US President Donald Trump, she claimed that despite initial agreement to Iran’s proposals, commitments were later abandoned.

At the same time, Kharazmi said there is a perception within Iran that it holds a stronger position. She argued that many Iranians view Trump as being under pressure both domestically and internationally.

On the issue of a potential ceasefire in Lebanon being a precondition for talks, she said it largely depends on Washington’s ability to exert influence over Israel, while alleging that Israel often disrupts ceasefire efforts in the region.

Addressing Iran’s economic demands — including sanctions relief, unfreezing of assets, reparations, and control-linked toll mechanisms in the Strait of Hormuz — Kharazmi described them as “logical and sophisticated”. She said such measures could generate significant revenue and help reintegrate Iran into the global economy after years of sanctions.

She further noted that implementing tolls in Hormuz could potentially increase the economic participation of countries in the Global South.