‘We Need a Face-Saving Solution’: Iran Reportedly Seeks to End Conflict and Resume Talks

Latest Developments

• Iran Pursues De-Escalation: Tehran has reportedly said it seeks to end hostilities with Israel and resume negotiations, Middle Eastern and Western diplomats told The Wall Street Journal. However, Iran reportedly told Arab officials that it would only restart talks if the United States does not join Israel’s military campaign. At the same time, Israel’s Channel 12 reported that Jerusalem has received no indication that Iran seeks dialogue. Iranian leaders “want to continue to have these fake talks in which they lie, they cheat, they string the U.S. along,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told ABC News.
• Tehran Prioritizes Survival: According to a report in Iran Wire, the clerical regime wants to de-escalate because it believes its existence is at stake. “But we need a face-saving solution,” a high-ranking Iranian diplomat told the outlet on the condition of anonymity. “The real priority of the supreme leader and our government is survival. The ongoing cycle of attacks and counterattacks between Israel and Iran will inevitably weaken our military, security forces, economy, public morale, and ultimately, the government.”
• U.S. Repeatedly Promotes Talks: President Trump has said multiple times since Israel’s attack began that he seeks a negotiated agreement. Israel and Iran “should talk and they should talk immediately,” Trump said on June 16. The previous day, Trump posted on social media, “Iran and Israel should make a deal, and will make a deal.”

FDD Expert Response

“The Islamic Republic may fear for its survival, but its offer to negotiate is likely a trap. Ultimately, Iran seeks not a deal that would dismantle its nuclear program but a pause in the fighting that would enable the regime to rebuild its nuclear facilities and reconsolidate its military forces. Israel and the United States should not be fooled. Instead, Israel should continue its campaign and do everything in its power to destroy Iran’s nuclear infrastructure on its own.” — Tzvi Kahn, Research Fellow and Senior Editor

“Israel’s unprecedented military campaign, which has decimated Iran’s military infrastructure and eliminated key leadership figures, marks a point of no return. The regime, humiliated and increasingly insecure at home, will likely seek to reassert itself later to save face. Any diplomatic resolution at this stage would merely postpone the next major confrontation. The Islamic Republic has consistently demonstrated its inability to change its behavior and will continue to view the United States and Israel as implacable enemies. This moment instead presents a vital opportunity for Washington to pursue maximum support for the Iranian people.” — Janatan Sayeh, Research Analyst

FDD Background and Analysis

“‘We Are Not Pausing for a Moment’: Israel Strikes Iranian Ballistic Missile Infrastructure,” FDD Flash Brief

“Iran Appeals to Qatar, Oman to Revive Nuclear Talks,” FDD Flash Brief

“Israel’s Air Defenses Stand Firm Under Iranian Fire,” FDD Flash Brief

“IAEA Declares Iran in Breach of Nuclear Nonproliferation Obligations,” FDD Flash Brief