As Iran grapples with significant economic crises and declining legitimacy, the question of whether its leadership can negotiate effectively with the West has become increasingly pertinent. On January 1, 2025, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei addressed the nation, acknowledging the myriad challenges facing the regime, including the recent assassination of Hezbollah's leader Hassan Nasrallah and the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria [b0a4321b]. The U.S. has also responded to these regional shifts, limiting the attacks of Iraqi militias, which further complicates Iran's geopolitical standing [b0a4321b].
The 1979 Islamic Revolution established a deep-seated ideological opposition to the U.S., branding it as the "Great Satan." However, historical attempts at rapprochement, such as President Mohammad Khatami's "Dialogue Among Civilizations" in the late 1990s, illustrate a potential for dialogue [b0a4321b]. The 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was a significant diplomatic achievement that aimed to curtail Iran's nuclear ambitions but collapsed after the U.S. withdrawal in 2018 [b0a4321b].
In light of these developments, there are indications that hardliners within the Iranian regime may be willing to engage in negotiations with the West to stabilize the economy, despite the persistent ideological barriers that complicate such discussions [b0a4321b]. Internal rifts within Iran further complicate the negotiation landscape, as various factions vie for influence and control over the country's future direction [b0a4321b]. As the regime faces mounting pressure, the potential for a pragmatic approach to negotiations with the West remains a critical point of discussion in shaping Iran's future [b0a4321b].