The Story Q&A: What we know (and don't know) about Trump's Iran talks
Mar 26, 2026
A rapid Q&A exploring who in Iran could realistically negotiate with the United States. They debate Pakistan’s role, shifting power toward the IRGC, and the plausibility of removing Iran’s supreme leader. The conversation covers the reported 15-point peace plan, Iran’s missile reach, and why Gulf states are holding back from retaliation.
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Unclear Channels Make Any Iran Deal Fragile
- Negotiations reported between Trump and Iranian figures are unclear and may be intermediated by Pakistan sending messages between the two sides.
- Manveen Rana and Luke Jones note many senior Iranian figures have been killed, making it hard to find someone with the legitimacy to accept a humiliating 15-point deal.
Reported 15-Point Terms Would Be Hugely Humiliating
- The 15-point plan reported would demand major concessions: close nuclear sites, hand over enriched material, end proxy warfare, and keep Hormuz open.
- Luke Jones warns these terms are potentially humiliating and unlikely to win domestic backing inside Iran amid rallying nationalist sentiment.
Ghalibaf Emerges As Potential But Tainted Intermediary
- Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf (mayor-turned-politician) is named as a possible interlocutor because of his long-standing role and Khamenei's past backing.
- Manveen highlights his tainted reputation from alleged corruption and that without the old Ayatollah his legitimacy may be thin.