Iran Diplomacy Has Yet to Begin

Peter Zeihan 6 min

Meaningful diplomacy has not begun because Trump refuses to allow lower-level officials to do their jobs. The entire region remains in a holding pattern until Trump realizes only a political deal can end the situation.

  • Donald Trump

Chapters

  1. 0:00

    The Breakdown of Diplomatic Infrastructure

    Explains how Trump's refusal to use established diplomatic channels has stalled negotiations.

  2. 0:24

    The Failure of Appointed Negotiators

    Details how specific appointees like Vance, Witkoff, and Kushner have failed to advance talks.

  3. 3:26

    The Collapse of Project Freedom

    Describes how the naval escort initiative failed due to lack of consultation with allies. Concludes that meaningful diplomacy is impossible until Trump changes his tactics.

Key points

  • 0:24

    Trump sees diplomacy as his personal purview rather than a bureaucratic process.

  • 0:24

    Established contacts in the State and Defense Departments have been fired or barred.

  • 0:24

    The Chinese summit lacked preparation until major CEOs were approached only days before.

  • 2:39

    Jared Kushner approaches negotiations with a real estate deal mindset.

  • 2:39

    A one-page memorandum was stretched into a two-week evaluation process.

  • 3:26

    Saudi Arabia refused air base access because Trump ignored negotiations.

  • 3:26

    Trump refuses to consult with allies in Europe, Asia, or the Middle East.

  • 3:26

    The region remains offline until a political deal replaces military force.

Who and where

People · 1

  • Drawing of Donald Trump

    Donald Trump 8

    President of the United States (2017–2021; since 2025)

    Photo 1

1. Photo: Daniel Torok, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons · Wikidata · redrawn in our house style (Donald Trump)

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