Iran ready for both negotiations and war – Pooya Hosseini

The second round of Iran–US negotiations could become either a starting point for easing tensions or for new escalation, Iranian political analyst Pooya Hosseini said in an interview with Alpha News, adding that Tehran considers all scenarios realistic.

According to him, negotiations are always a diplomatic format that replaces war, and both sides outwardly give priority to this path. However, in his view, Iran does not trust the true intentions of the United States.

“Both countries declare that they give priority to negotiations, but we are not sure, we do not know what goals the American side has. It is possible, as during the previous 12‑day war, that negotiations will be used to buy time,” Hosseini said.

He noted that at the same time, US military activity around Iran is increasing, which Tehran perceives as a tool of pressure.

“We now see the growth of US military activity around Iran. Iran keeps all scenarios on the table. That is, it is ready both for diplomatic processes and for war,” Hosseini emphasized.

According to Hosseini, while Iranian diplomats continue negotiations with Washington, Iran’s armed forces are simultaneously conducting military exercises in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.

“This shows that both the diplomatic institutions and the military forces are in full readiness. We are ready for negotiations, but at the same time we are also ready for war,” Hosseini concluded.