- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Trump Administration's Iran Diplomacy Damaged US Credibility
Repeated breaches of good faith eroded trust and undermined future negotiations, expert argues.
Published on Mar. 5, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
The author argues that the Trump administration's approach to Iran negotiations, which involved conducting good-faith talks while simultaneously planning military strikes, transformed diplomacy into a calculated ruse that has permanently damaged American credibility in future negotiations. The author contends that the administration's actions violated the principle of good faith that is essential for successful diplomacy, and that this loss of goodwill will make it difficult for the US to be trusted in future negotiations with Iran or other states.
Why it matters
The author's analysis suggests that the Trump administration's Iran strategy, which combined diplomatic outreach with covert military planning, has had lasting consequences for America's global standing and ability to negotiate effectively in the future. This case highlights the importance of good faith in diplomatic negotiations and the risks of using deception as a negotiating tactic.
The details
The author argues that the Trump administration breached good faith in its dealings with Iran on two occasions. In 2025, the US engaged in indirect talks with Iran while secretly planning military strikes, which were launched in June 2025, derailing the negotiations. A second round of talks in early 2026 also ended with the US and Israel launching a large-scale operation targeting Iranian leadership and infrastructure, despite the ongoing negotiations. The author contends that these actions, even if technically maintainable, exposed bad faith as a tactic and undermined the credibility of any future US promises or assurances to Iran.
- In early 2025, indirect talks began between the US and Iran in Oman.
- On June 13, 2025, Israel launched strikes on Iranian facilities, beginning the Twelve-Day War, with the US joining the attacks on June 22.
- In early 2026, a second round of diplomatic negotiations resumed in Oman and Geneva.
- On February 28, 2026, the US and Israel launched a large-scale joint operation targeting Iranian leadership, nuclear facilities, and military infrastructure.
The players
Donald Trump
The former US President whose administration's approach to Iran negotiations is the focus of this commentary.
Ali Khamenei
The Supreme Leader of Iran, who was a key figure in the negotiations with the Trump administration.
Steve Witkoff
The US Special Envoy who participated in the initial rounds of negotiations with Iran in 2025.
Abbas Araghchi
The Iranian Foreign Minister who engaged in the negotiations with the US in 2025 and 2026.
Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi
The Omani mediator who facilitated the negotiations between the US and Iran in 2026.
What they’re saying
“Good faith, a form of honesty, is the lifeblood that flows through contracts, treaties, and negotiations, leading to bargains, ceasefires, and the end of wars.”
— L. Ali Khan, Founder, Legal Scholar Academy (JURIST)
“Without good faith, the negotiation process becomes a calculated ruse — like bargaining to buy a ship while secretly preparing to sink it.”
— L. Ali Khan, Founder, Legal Scholar Academy (JURIST)
“Repeated breaches of good faith erode credibility and harm the nation's goodwill. Goodwill is not a resource solely for weak nations; it also benefits powerful nations by enhancing their soft power.”
— L. Ali Khan, Founder, Legal Scholar Academy (JURIST)
What’s next
The author does not provide any clear next steps or future newsworthy moments related to this story.
The takeaway
This case highlights the importance of good faith in diplomatic negotiations and the risks of using deception as a negotiating tactic. The Trump administration's approach to Iran negotiations, which combined diplomacy with covert military planning, has had lasting consequences for America's global standing and ability to negotiate effectively in the future.
