Competing claims of victory point to difficult path for Iran talks, analyst

Georgian analyst Zurab Batiashvili has said that the fact both sides were portraying themselves as victorious indicates a highly complicated situation and made any near-term agreement unlikely.

Speaking on the prospects for negotiations, Batiashvili argued that both parties were now expected to enter talks with maximalist demands, significantly reducing the chances of compromise.

“When both sides declare victory, it means the situation is very difficult,” he said.

According to the analyst, the deep divisions between the parties - particularly over Iran’s nuclear programme - make it unrealistic to expect a breakthrough within a short timeframe.

He noted that while the United States and Israel hold military superiority, Iran continues to politically frame the outcome in its favour and believes it retains leverage in negotiations.

Batiashvili also referenced Iran’s reported calls for imposing charges related to the Strait of Hormuz, describing such demands as unacceptable and further evidence of the gap between the sides.

He said negotiations may begin, but suggested they are likely to amount to little more than a delaying tactic.

“I think it will be an attempt to drag out time and nothing more,” he added, arguing that prolonging talks would primarily benefit Iran by buying time to stabilise its position.