Trump Backs Down at the Last Second? Dina Sulaeman: Iran Now Holds the Reins in Negotiations
International relations expert from Padjadjaran University, Dina Sulaeman, assesses the latest dynamics between United States President Donald Trump and Iran not as a ceasefire, but as a strategic pause in negotiations still fraught with tension.
According to Dina, Trump’s decision to cancel a large-scale attack on Iran just 90 minutes before the deadline indicates a change in political and military calculations on the US side. She describes the previous phase as a “mental duel” between the two parties.
“Trump hoped Iran would drop its gun and raise its hands. But what happened was that Iran’s eyes did not blink at all, and its mouth kept issuing statements that it would never back down, while its forces continued to bombard US assets in the region,” said Dina when contacted by Republika.co.id on Wednesday (8/4/2026).
She explained that Iran’s consistent stance and resistance to pressure have reversed the bargaining position. Whereas previously the US proposed 15 demands, now Iran is in the position of imposing its 10 wishes at the negotiating table.
Dina views Trump’s move to open dialogue as a political way out without having to openly admit defeat.
“For Trump, this can be used to claim victory. He can stop the war without declaring defeat. For Iran, everyone now knows that with steadfastness, independence, patience, and resistance, even a country with the world’s number one military power can be confronted,” she explained.
Nevertheless, Dina warns that the situation cannot yet be called safe. She highlights Israel’s track record of frequently violating ceasefire agreements, as well as previous experiences where attacks still occurred amid the negotiation process.
Therefore, she believes Iran will remain fully alert during this pause period. “Iran has stated, ‘Our finger remains on the trigger’,” she added.
The 10 points of Iran’s demands in the negotiations include, among others, stopping aggression, lifting all sanctions, recognising the right to uranium enrichment, withdrawing US troops from the region, and halting conflicts on various fronts.
Dina emphasised that it is not yet certain whether Trump will meet these demands or resume military escalation. “Will Trump fulfil these 10 points, or continue the war? It cannot be confirmed at this time,” she said.