United States and Iran trading threats |
In recent weeks, it seems the entire world has been watching a familiar performance: the United States and Iran trading threats, belligerent statements, and carefully planted “leaks from senior officials,” with each side insisting it holds the stronger hand. But anyone viewing the situation through the lens of negotiation theory quickly understands this is not merely a potential military confrontation — it is, first and foremost, a sophisticated, multi-layered negotiation battle, where every word, silence, and leak is a calculated tool.
The negotiation between Washington and Tehran unfolds on two parallel tracks: overt negotiation and covert negotiation. The overt track — delivered through speeches, press briefings, and public statements — is primarily about shaping perception. Its goal is not agreement, but positioning: deterrence, signaling resolve, and sending messages to third parties such........