Newshour Iran: US 'negotiating with itself'
Mar 25, 2026
Michael Baumgartner, a U.S. Republican congressman on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, offers a political view on U.S. leverage. Kelly Grieco, a defence analyst at the Stimson Center, explains troop deployments and operational risks. They discuss leaked ceasefire plans, control of the Strait of Hormuz, airborne and marine options, and the dangers of seizing islands or airfields.
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Conflicting Claims About Iran Talks
- President Donald Trump publicly claimed peace talks with Iran were underway while Tehran denied them, creating competing narratives about negotiations.
- An Iranian military spokesman mocked the claims, asking rhetorically if the US was "negotiating with yourselves," showing Tehran's public defiance.
15-Point Plan Met With Skepticism
- Pakistan was reported as a possible mediator after officials said Iran received a US 15-point ceasefire plan, though Israel's economy minister called the plan "beautiful on paper" but unlikely to be accepted.
- Iranian dissidents contacted by BBC Persian expressed skepticism, seeing US aims as regime change rather than support for Iranian people.
US Demands Versus Iran's Leverage
- Leaks suggest the US demands include eliminating Iran's nuclear and missile programs and seizing enriched uranium in exchange for sanctions relief.
- Frank Gardner notes Iran feels militarily stronger due to control of the Strait of Hormuz despite heavy losses, reducing willingness to concede.