A founding member of Iran’s IRGC claimed Tehran could “easily trick” U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, comparing him to how Vladimir Putin allegedly outmanoeuvred Washington in Ukraine talks. Mohsen Sazegara warned Iranian negotiators would exploit Witkoff’s inexperience to drag out nuclear discussions using complex, JCPOA-style formulas that appear to meet U.S. demands while preserving Iranian flexibility. The remarks came after Oman talks ended on February 6, with Iran refusing to discuss its missile program. Critics have questioned Witkoff’s diplomatic credentials, while analysts say Khamenei may publicly distance himself yet privately control every detail of the negotiations.