Iranian Reformist Hashemi Calls for Political Solution to Avoid Further Losses

WASHINGTON, United States — TEHRAN — Iranian reformist politician Mohsen Hashemi has called for Tehran to seek a political solution with the United States to prevent greater losses, according to statements reported Tuesday. Hashemi, chairman of the Construction Party's Central Council, said more than 90 percent of Iran's political forces have agreed on the principle of negotiation. He stressed the goal is not to grant concessions to President Donald Trump, but to prevent the United States from inflicting further damage on Iran. Hashemi warned that mishandling the process could leave Iran facing more difficult conditions in the future. He claimed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has presented the United States with a picture of victory that does not reflect reality, and alleged Washington has failed to achieve its goals of regime change in Iran. Domestic debates in Iran have shifted from whether to negotiate to the form of any agreement and guarantee mechanisms, Hashemi added. He suggested that economic problems and inflation in the United States could affect Republicans' political future, and that Iran could seize a negotiation opportunity with rational diplomacy.