By Sardar Khan Niazi

The latest signals from Tehran suggest that the door to diplomacy with Washington has not been completely shut. But Iran has made its condition clear: negotiations cannot meaningfully resume while the United States continues its campaign of economic pressure. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has argued that diplomacy can be restored if Washington recognizes a basic reality that pressure alone cannot produce a durable settlement. Tehran wants sanctions eased, commitments honored and its rights acknowledged before it returns to serious negotiations. Washington, however, appears convinced of the opposite. The Trump administration has intensified sanctions under its so-called “Operation Economic Outcast”, seeking to restrict Iran’s access to international finance and trade. US officials argue that economic pain will eventually compel Tehran to make concessions. President Donald Trump declared that the United States is not engaged in dialogue with Iran and is instead focusing on intensifying economic pressure through a campaign dubbed Operation Economic Outcast. Trump stated that the U.S. aims to weaken Iran’s economy and will continue this strategy until Iran shows willingness for meaningful negotiations. Accompanying this stance, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned other nations of potential secondary sanctions if they maintain financial ties with Iran. Though no penalties have been imposed yet, the administration signaled readiness to act more forcefully. When questioned about potential sanctions on Russia and China for their dealings with Iran, Trump provided ambiguous responses, suggesting that actions may be occurring behind the scenes. Meanwhile, Qatar’s prime minister visited Tehran with hopes of reviving diplomatic efforts amid escalating tensions. An Iranian official labeled the U.S. measures as an “all-out economic war,” highlighting the growing hostility between the two nations.  Washington sees economic pressure as leverage for diplomacy; Tehran sees continuing pressure as proof that Washington cannot be trusted. There is little doubt that sanctions have imposed serious costs on Iran. The country’s economy has been badly damaged by war, disrupted trade and restrictions on its oil exports. Yet economic hardship does not automatically translate into political capitulation. Iran has endured decades of sanctions and developed mechanisms for circumventing them. More importantly, pressure can strengthen the influence of those in Tehran who argue that engagement with Washington is futile.  The U.S. has escalated its economic pressure campaign, targeting foreign entities doing business with Iran, including Egypt’s Banque Misr and individuals linked to Iran’s Bank Melli. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts led by Qatar and Pakistan have aimed to restore maritime access and renew negotiations, but disputes over control of the Strait of Hormuz—a crucial energy corridor—persist. Although U.S. officials claim the waterway is open, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps asserts it remains closed without Iranian permission. Transport data shows a significant drop in vessel traffic, indicating ongoing disruptions in the region. A mutually agreed maritime arrangement could therefore become the first practical confidence-building measure. Iran could guarantee safe passage and halt threats against commercial shipping, while the US could reduce or suspend its economic and naval pressure. Such reciprocal steps would be more useful than demands that either side simply trust the other. Neither side can reasonably expect the other to concede everything before talks begin. The US cannot expect sanctions to produce an unconditional Iranian surrender, while Iran cannot expect Washington to remove every form of pressure without reciprocal steps. The wiser course is a staged bargain. First, the two sides should agree on an immediate de-escalation framework. Second, Washington should provide limited and reversible economic relief. Third, Tehran should take verifiable measures concerning maritime security and other disputed issues. Only then should the negotiations move towards the more difficult questions concerning Iran’s nuclear programme, regional security and long-term sanctions relief.