In the midst of external focus on whether the second round of negotiations between the United States and Iran will take place in Islamabad, former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo expressed his lack of optimism about the U.S. seeking a diplomatic solution to the Iran issue.
“I don’t blame U.S. officials for trying to seek results through diplomatic contact, but I’m not optimistic,” Pompeo said on the “Cats & Cosby Show” on WABC 770 AM on Friday. “The usual tactic of Iranian negotiation representatives is to delay and try to lengthen the process, I doubt President Trump will let this situation continue for too long.”
The White House plans to send special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Pakistan to meet with Iranian representatives. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has already arrived in Islamabad and met with the Pakistani Prime Minister. It is reported that he has left by now, but may return to Islamabad on Sunday or next Monday.
Trump declared a ceasefire on Tuesday, while ordering the U.S. military to continue its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
There are doubts about the identity of Iranian decision-makers. Although Mojtaba Khamenei ostensibly succeeded as the Supreme Leader, he has not appeared in public since the early stages of the conflict. Reports suggest he was severely injured and disfigured in a U.S. military operation and is currently awaiting recovery and plastic surgery.
Pompeo pointed out, “I am not sure if anyone can currently speak for the entire Iranian military, and if they are more reasonable than the previous negotiation representatives, I would be surprised.”
The first round of negotiations between the U.S. and Iran two weeks ago, the first face-to-face meeting between the two countries since 1979, ultimately collapsed due to Iran’s refusal to make substantial concessions on the prospects of its nuclear program.
Pompeo hinted that the second round of negotiations is likely to fail, and by then the U.S. will make Iran pay a higher price. However, he emphasized that this is not a “deadlock” because the U.S. still holds the initiative.
“A deadlock is when both sides have many cards and tools to use, but the situation here is not like that,” he told the host. “We still have the upper hand and the ability to exercise this dominance. I think the Iranians are very aware of this.”
This is not the first time Pompeo has sent a “lack of optimism” signal regarding the U.S.-Iran negotiations. Even before the U.S. and Iran restarted negotiations before the war, he said that the Iranian regime is “stubborn” and that “President Trump will not repeat Obama’s mistakes by signing a weak agreement that allows Iran to continue developing its nuclear program.”
Pompeo said at the time that Trump’s dialogue with Iran was to “implement diplomatic means,” but ultimately only pressure can force the Tehran regime to face reality. He said, “Dealing with the world’s largest sponsor of terrorism requires us to take more action with our Middle Eastern allies.”