Like Sands Through the Hourglass, so are the Days of Iran’s Lies
As nuclear negotiations between Iran and the Trump administration approach a critical turning point, the clock is no longer just ticking—it’s thundering. Mohammad Mohaddessin, a leading figure within the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) and likely future Secretary of State of Iran should the Mullahs fall from power, has long warned that Tehran’s nuclear diplomacy is a game of stalling and deception.
In early March, President Trump gave Tehran a firm two-month deadline to reach a deal or face serious consequences. Now, with the diplomatic hourglass nearly drained, Iran is asking to flip it over, seeking more time, more space, and, quite transparently, more delay.
This stall tactic is not surprising, but what’s different this time is the NCRI’s readiness to step forward as a legitimate alternative to the current regime. With growing international legitimacy and a strong political foundation, the NCRI is positioned to replace the current regime with a government committed to democracy and human rights—should the Mullahs finally fall.
At the forefront of this resistance is Alireza Jafarzadeh, NCRI’s Deputy Director in Washington, who has long been a reliable voice on Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Jafarzadeh’s expertise, from exposing Iran’s nuclear sites in Natanz and Arak to his ongoing efforts to reveal Tehran’s deception, makes him an invaluable source of information on the regime’s duplicity.
As President Trump’s deadline looms, Mohaddessin and Jafarzadeh provide unique and crucial insights into the current negotiations. Their perspectives will shed light on Iran’s stall tactics and its underlying vulnerabilities, offering a clear call for the U.S. to hold firm against Tehran’s demands and look toward a future where the Iranian people have a real alternative—a democratic one.
This isn’t just about preventing a bad deal; it’s about giving voice to the Iranian people’s aspirations for change and holding the line against the regime’s nuclear ambitions.
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Optional Q&A
- Given your experience in the resistance movement, how do you assess the current state of U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations under the Trump administration? Do you think Iran is genuinely interested in a deal, or are they just stalling for more time?
- With President Trump’s two-month deadline quickly approaching, how do you interpret Iran’s request for an extension? Is this a sign of desperation on their part, or a calculated move to buy more time?
- As someone who has long warned about the regime’s nuclear ambitions, what specific tactics do you believe Iran is using in these negotiations to avoid meaningful concessions?
- The NCRI has long advocated for a democratic future for Iran. What role do you see the international community playing in supporting a peaceful transition away from the current regime?
- How significant do you think the NCRI’s alternative vision for Iran is in the context of these nuclear talks? Could a change in leadership influence the outcome of these negotiations?
- In your view, what’s the biggest misstep the U.S. could make in the face of Iran’s stall tactics—should they extend the deadline or push for a deal without addressing Iran’s nuclear program thoroughly?
- Given your direct knowledge of Iran’s nuclear program, what areas should the Trump administration focus on during these negotiations to ensure Iran doesn’t gain further ground in its pursuit of nuclear weapons?
- What message would you send to the Iranian people, who are growing increasingly frustrated with both the current regime and the stalled nuclear talks? How can they remain hopeful for a better future despite the setbacks?
ABOUT MOHAMMAD MOHADDESSIN…
Mr. Mohammad Mohaddessin, is the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI). NCRI is a coalition of various political tendencies and democratic forces working to establish a free and pluralistic republic based on democratic values.
Mohammad Mohaddessin was born in Qom, Iran, the son of a Grand Ayatollah who was opposed to the regime. He studied both in religious seminary and modern education.
In the 1970s, While he was a student in Iran’s most prestigious Sharif University, in 1975 he was arrested and sentenced to 15 years for his affiliation with the People’s Mojahedin Organisation of Iran (PMOI) and opposition to the shah dictatorship. While in prison he was severely tortured.
Mohaddessin has lectured on numerous international forums on Iranian affairs and has represented the Iranian resistance in many international events and conferences.
He has written extensively on political and religious regional issue in Iran and the region. He is the author of “Islamic Fundamentalism: The New Global Threat”, published in 1993 (Seven Locks Press, Washington) in which he addressed the emerging threat of Islamic fundamentalism in the world.
In addition to many articles and essays, Mr. Mohaddessin has authored several other books, including Enemies of Ayatollahs, Democracy Betrayed and The Unethical Policy.
ABOUT ALIREZA JAFARZADEH…
Alireza Jafarzadeh serves as the Deputy Director of the Washington Office of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI). He is also the author of The Iran Threat (Palgrave MacMillan, New York, 2008).
A recognized expert on Iranian policy, Jafarzadeh has been at the forefront of efforts to prevent the Iranian regime from acquiring nuclear weapons. His groundbreaking work in 2002 and 2003 led to the discovery of key illicit nuclear sites in Iran, including the Natanz uranium enrichment facility, the Arak heavy water plant, the Kalaye Electric centrifuge testing facility near Tehran, and the Lashkar Ab’ad laser enrichment facility. These revelations prompted the first-ever inspections of Iranian nuclear sites by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Jafarzadeh is a frequent guest on major television and radio networks, including CBS Evening News, CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, CNBC, Bloomberg TV, and France 24. His insights have also been featured in leading publications such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, USA Today, Time, and The Hill.
ABOUT SHAHIN GOBADI…
Shahin Gobadi, a U.S.-educated nuclear engineer, is a member of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), Iran’s Parliament-in-Exile.
An astute observer of Iranian affairs for over three decades, Gobadi is an expert on topics including Iranian state-sponsored terrorism, proxy groups in the Middle East, the Iranian nuclear and weapons of mass destruction (WMD) programs, Western policy toward Iran, and internal Iranian affairs.
He has been interviewed by major international media outlets, including CNN, Fox News, BBC, Sky TV, GB News, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The Times, The Daily Telegraph, Reuters, and the Associated Press. Gobadi’s writings have appeared in prominent media across the U.S. and Europe.
ABOUT ALI SAFAVI…
Ali Safavi is a member of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), Iran’s Parliament-in-Exile.
A sociologist by training, Safavi studied and taught at UCLA, California State University Los Angeles, and the University of Michigan. He was an active participant in the anti-Shah student movement in the 1970s in the United States and has been deeply engaged in Iranian affairs ever since.
Safavi has lectured and written extensively on Iran, Iraq, terrorism, nuclear proliferation, and Middle Eastern politics. He has appeared in interviews on networks such as CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, CBS, BBC, Sky TV, Newsmax, and France 24. His articles and commentary have been published in leading outlets, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Hill, The Boston Herald, The Washington Times, and The Financial Times.
CONTACT: For further details or to arrange the interview, please contact Jerry McGlothlin at 919-437-0001 / Bookings@SeasonalLiving.com
