Nationalist Surge Hardens Iran's Negotiating Position as Diplomats Lose Room
ποΈ TEHRAN β Iran's diplomats are losing ground at home faster than on the battlefield. π LOOK CLOSER: Wartime nationalism typically consolidates around leadership; here it's constraining it. Pezeshkian's moderates needed domestic cover to accept US terms β strikes on civilian infrastructure and water systems handed hardliners the narrative. With Bolton already saying Iran can't negotiate structurally, this adds a second lock: even willing interlocutors can't sell concessions Thursday's address will likely demand.