Iran Signals Openness to Renewed U.S. Negotiations

Last year was one to forget for Iran as it saw its regional influence wane, its military deterrence against Israel and the United States crumble, and its economy continue its free fall. But Iran's top decision-maker, Khamenei, has been trying to project strength. On January 22, he told a crowd of supporters in Tehran that it would be "delusional" to suggest Iran has become weak. Pezeshkian made a similar comment, insisting the West "can dream" about Iran's strength diminishing. On the same day, Zarif, a former foreign minister who currently serves…