The government-affiliated Iranian newspaper Setareh Sobh published an article titled “Anxious Days” on November 17, referring to the victory of Donald Trump in the U.S. presidential elections. It stated: “Biden has 63 more days in office, and this period could be filled with anxiety for Iran. For the sake of the people, the hardliners should avoid making provocative gestures or raising their voices, so the situation does not deteriorate further for the country and its citizens.”
The state-affiliated media also warned regime officials: “Iran must recognize that circumstances have shifted with Trump in power… Caution is essential, and strategies must be reassessed.”
Addressing such fear-driven advice, which has proliferated during Iran’s “anxious days,” Ali Motahari, former deputy speaker of the regime’s parliament, remarked a few days ago: “There is a condition called ‘Istisba.’ Essentially, when an animal faces a predator, it approaches out of fear of being devoured. This describes some Westernized individuals in Iran. Nothing has occurred yet, but out of fear of Trump, they are already pursuing negotiations with him” (Javan Online, November 6).
Another indication of this “Istisba” condition and these anxious days is the evident confusion and disarray within the Iranian regime. This is reflected in the divergent tones adopted by some Friday Prayer leaders, whose speeches are typically directed by the Friday Prayer Headquarters, supervised by regime supreme leader Ali Khamenei.
During Friday prayers in Ardabil, Hassan Ameli, the city’s Friday Prayer leader, stated: “Trump is an economically driven man and therefore avoids war, as it is costly and raises oil prices. There is substantial evidence supporting his economically motivated character.”
During Friday prayers in Abyek, Hassan Abadi, the city’s Friday Prayer leader, criticized figures like Ameli, stating: “Some are overly optimistic, believing Trump’s role as a businessman allows for deals with him. They must realize he acts solely for his own benefit, and the imperialist front will not ease sanctions. Since negotiations were first discussed, sanctions against individuals, organizations, and entities have only intensified.”
Another indication of these “anxious days” is the statements made by regime president Masoud Pezeshkian and his spokesperson, Fatemeh Mohajerani, who, after the announcement of the U.S. election results, asserted that “it makes no difference to us whether it is Trump or Biden.”
This statement was so implausible that even media sympathetic to Pezeshkian ridiculed it. One outlet, under the headline “It Does Make a Big Difference,” wrote: “If someone opposed to the country said it doesn’t matter who becomes the U.S. president, it might be understandable because they have different motives. However, it is unacceptable for a figure like Mr. Pezeshkian or his government spokesperson to claim that it makes no difference who assumes the U.S. presidency” (Ham-Mihan, November 9).
The turmoil of these anxious days extends beyond “it makes no difference,” “Istisba,” or the pursuit of negotiations. The atmosphere is further intensified by infighting, warnings, and threats directed at regime advocates for negotiations.
On November 16, Javan newspaper, affiliated with the IRGC, stated: “Trump has shown no interest in pursuing a peaceful approach with Iran. Instead, he has used the idea of negotiations merely as a tactic to sway Iranian officials, taking advantage of the widespread presence of pro-Western and intimidated elements within Dr. Pezeshkian’s government.”
The newspaper, emphasizing that “implementing Operation True Promise 3 is both essential and urgent,” added, “Domestic proponents of engagement with the West are once again striking the chords of negotiation with Trump, seeking to halt Operation True Promise 3. Succumbing to this dangerous trap will inevitably deepen internal divisions and embolden the enemy further. In such circumstances, the leader’s words should guide officials: negotiations with the U.S. are both foolish and treacherous.”