Iranian press review: Principlists warn that regional mediation could be US trap

Iranian press review: Principlists warn that regional mediation could be US trap Submitted by Heba Nasser on Thu, 08/27/2026 - 10:00 Meanwhile, there's a mixed response to new US sanctions, former diplomat criticises 'too much courtesy' towards Gulf states, and Sharif university expels six dissident students Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi (R) meets with Oman's Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr al-Busaidi in Tehran, 25 August 2026 (Iranian foreign ministry/Wana/Handout via Reuters) Off Principlists warn of 'US deception' in talks Recent efforts by Pakistan and Oman to mediate between Iran and the US have been met with scepticism from Iran’s principlist camp, which views regional diplomatic initiatives as part of Washington’s efforts to mislead Tehran and alter its calculations. The Kayhan daily, an outlet close to this camp, described the visits by Pakistani and Omani officials to Tehran as part of a “new phase in the White House’s deception operation”. This scepticism towards mediation stems from the fact that the US and Israel have, on two occasions so far, launched attacks while negotiations with Iran were under way; an experience that has contributed to deeper distrust of any proposal for negotiations or a ceasefire.