The resumption of nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States in Rome has drawn criticism from Iranians who view the talks as irrelevant to their daily lives and potentially beneficial only to the leadership in Tehran.
Dozens of messages sent to Iran International reflect a widespread belief that any agreement would in fact bolster the Islamic Republic while offering no relief to a population struggling under economic hardship and political repression.
The talks, held Saturday in the Italian capital, mark the second phase of quiet discussions over Iran’s nuclear program. According to diplomatic sources cited by Iran International, the Iranian delegation proposed a three-stage plan aimed at reducing tensions in exchange for sanctions relief and access to frozen assets.
But reactions gathered by Iran International painted a picture of deep skepticism. “If the Islamic Republic survives through this, nothing will change for us,” one audience said. “Only if the clergy are rooted out will people’s conditions improve.”
A number of respondents expressed hope that the negotiations would fail, believing that a collapse of talks could hasten the downfall of the ruling system.
“As long as the Islamic Republic remains, nothing will happen in favor of the people. A large percentage of the population firmly wants the fate of the Islamic Republic to be decisively resolved,” said a citizen.
“Only if the clerics are uprooted from Iran will the situation for the people improve,” said another.
“The only result will be more time for them to build weapons,” one person said, calling the negotiations a “stalling tactic.”
Others echoed similar sentiments, with one recalling the 2015 nuclear deal under then-President Hassan Rouhani. “It freed up money that the regime used to empower its regional proxies,” said another comment by an audience. “It didn’t help ordinary Iranians.”
Fox News, citing analysts, reported that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s decision to reopen dialogue was influenced by military threats from former US President Donald Trump.
The same report said Tehran temporarily froze its nuclear weapons activities after the US invaded Iraq in 2003, underlining how perceived military pressure has shaped the Islamic Republic’s behavior.
Still, many Iranians remain unmoved by the prospect of another deal. “Even if sanctions are lifted, only the children of the elite will benefit,” another citizen said. “Ordinary people will just get poorer.”
Iran International has previously reported that Iran’s proposed roadmap seeks to buy time to rebuild air defenses and missile capabilities damaged by an Israeli attack last year.
One diplomatic source told the outlet the Islamic Republic “is dragging out the process to regroup militarily.”
For many Iranians, this assessment rings true. “These talks are just extending our suffering,” another one said in a voice message. “The money will go to weapons and repression, not to bread or jobs.”
