Iran's leadership has reportedly employed psychologists and studied Donald Trump's 1987 memoir, "The Art of the Deal," in an effort to predict his behavior during nuclear negotiations. This strategy aims to understand and counteract Trump's unconventional dealmaking tactics, which often involve aggressive demands and public pronouncements.
The unusual approach emerged as nuclear talks between the U.S. and Iran, brokered in Switzerland, faced significant disruption. Negotiations collapsed recently after Trump issued a public threat on Truth Social, stating he would "hit Iran very hard again, just like we did last week, only harder!!!" unless Tehran ceased funding its proxy group Hezbollah.
This tactic mirrors strategies outlined in "The Art of the Deal," where Trump, as a New York real estate developer, employed extreme and unpredictable demands to pressure opponents. Iranian negotiators are now reportedly mining the book for insights into how to manage interactions with the former president.
Sources indicate that Iranian officials consulted with psychologists to map Trump's thought processes and forecast his reactions to proposals. These efforts included treating his social media posts as predictable meteorological events. "Trump is applying the lessons of 'The Art of the Deal,' making extreme threats to test the other side’s resolve," noted Iranian expert Mohamed Amersi. "But the Iranians…are well aware of his tactics. It won’t change the dynamics."
A senior Iranian official described the inclusion of two psychologists on the negotiating team as a means to "shape messages intended for President Trump from the perspective of managing what we regard as psychopathic behavior pattern."
Following Trump's threats, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran's top representative, confronted U.S. Vice President JD Vance. Ghalibaf asserted that Trump's statements violated a memorandum of understanding signed just a week prior, stating, "Today your president has issued threats. Understand that we never negotiate under threats or pressure." The Iranian delegation reportedly refused a subsequent American request for another meeting.
Vance is reported to have clarified to Iranian negotiators that U.S. strikes would only occur if Tehran violated the terms of the recently signed peace deal. This agreement, finalized the previous week, obligated Iran to ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels through a key waterway for 60 days, a critical U.S. demand aimed at stabilizing global energy supplies. The deal also outlines future cooperation with Oman on managing maritime services for the strait. 
