Diplomacy – Iran Used Psychological Expertise During High-Stakes US Talks

Diplomacy – As efforts intensified to secure a long-term agreement aimed at ending conflict in the Middle East, Iranian officials reportedly adopted an unconventional strategy by consulting mental health experts to better understand the communication style of US President Donald Trump.

According to a report published by Drop Site, two experienced psychologists were brought into Iran’s advisory team during negotiations with the United States. Their role was to evaluate Trump’s decision-making patterns and help shape messages delivered through regional intermediaries involved in the peace process.

Psychological Experts Added to Advisory Team

Sources familiar with the discussions said the specialists joined the advisory circle after the first round of bilateral talks held in Islamabad in April. At that stage, Washington and Tehran had begun exchanging proposals for a Memorandum of Understanding that could pave the way for a lasting settlement.

An Iranian official, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to discuss the matter publicly, said the psychologists were asked to provide insights into behavioural patterns that negotiators believed could influence the outcome of the talks. Their recommendations reportedly helped officials craft written communications and diplomatic messages intended for the US leadership.

Report Claims Communication Strategy Changed

The same official told the publication that negotiators observed a noticeable shift in reactions after psychological guidance was incorporated into the messaging process. According to the source, Iranian representatives carefully structured their communications to improve engagement and reduce misunderstandings during sensitive discussions.

The official also noted that both sides were aware that records of these exchanges could eventually become public. As a result, Iranian negotiators reportedly paid close attention to the tone, wording and overall sophistication of their diplomatic correspondence.

Debate Continues Over Trump’s Public Conduct

Questions surrounding Trump’s behaviour have remained a topic of public discussion in the United States. Earlier this year, a Reuters/Ipsos survey indicated that a majority of respondents believed the president had become increasingly unpredictable with age.

The poll found that 61 percent of participants described Trump as erratic. The view was shared by 89 percent of Democrats, 64 percent of independent voters and 30 percent of Republicans. The findings highlighted significant differences in public opinion across political groups while also showing concern among some members of Trump’s own party.

The White House did not issue a public response regarding the claims contained in the report.

Trump’s Second Term Marked by Rapid Policy Moves

Since returning to the White House in January 2025, Trump has introduced a series of major policy initiatives. His administration has implemented broad tariff measures affecting imports from numerous countries and expanded immigration enforcement efforts across the United States.

Several of these decisions have generated debate among policymakers and analysts, particularly regarding their long-term economic and geopolitical consequences. Trump’s fast-paced approach to governance has continued to attract both support and criticism from different sections of the political spectrum.

Peace Agreement Expected to Be Signed in Switzerland

After nearly four months of negotiations, officials from both countries have reportedly reached a preliminary agreement designed to bring the conflict to a close. The proposed deal is expected to be formally signed in Switzerland later this week.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi stated on state television that senior negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf will lead Iran’s delegation at the signing ceremony. He also confirmed that the American delegation is expected to be headed by US Vice President JD Vance.

If finalised, the agreement could mark a significant diplomatic breakthrough and represent one of the most important developments in efforts to reduce tensions in the region.