Iran International:

Behrouz Turani

The main headline on the front page of a conservative Iranian newspaper captures the national mood ahead of the upcoming Iran-US talks in Oman: “The Saturday of Hope and Doubt.”

Across two dozen newspapers on Wednesday, the sentiment was echoed in varying language—hope for a breakthrough tempered by uncertainty over whether the two sides will meet face to face and make tangible progress.

Gholamhossein Karbaschi, a prominent politician and proprietor of the centrist daily Ham Mihan, told the press that “if Iran’s political system had no intention of negotiating with the United States, it would not have responded to Trump’s letter.” In Iranian political discourse, “the political system” is often used as a stand-in for Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Karbaschi added, “Some believe a revolutionary stance means constant confrontation and chanting slogans. But the people want a peaceful life. Breaking the current deadlock requires self-sacrifice from the negotiators.”

He urged negotiators to ignore the hardline rhetoric, alluding to MP Amir Hossein Sabeti, who recently said negotiations are unlikely to change anything, as well as to vigilante groups threatening to rally outside the Foreign Ministry.

At the same time, Hadi Borhani, an expert in Israeli affairs, sought to reassure the public in an interview with Khabar Online, saying that Israel must now operate within the limits set by President Trump. He added that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was likely caught off guard by Trump’s remarks about engaging in negotiations with Iran. Nonetheless, Borhani emphasized that Israel remains firmly opposed to the talks in Oman.

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