Why Diplomacy Failed: Expert Flags Protocol Lapses in US Approach Towards Iran

Tensions over ceasefire negotiations between the United States and Iran have once again exposed the fragility of global diplomacy, with former diplomat Vidya Bhushan Soni sharply questioning Washington’s approach and timing.

What Did the Former Diplomat Say About US Ceasefire Claims?

Reacting to statements by Donald Trump, former diplomat Vidya Bhushan Soni made it clear that conflicts cannot be ended through one-sided declarations.

“It's not for US to dictate terms. The other side has options, has their own agenda, and has their own roadmap,” he said.

He underscored that attempting to abruptly halt a conflict—especially after initiating aggression—undermines the very foundation of credible diplomacy.

“You first go and attack them unprovoked when the negotiations were going on. And suddenly, you decide when the war is not going your way that you can call it off as per your convenience on your terms,” he said.

Why Is Iran Unlikely to Be Swayed?

Soni pointed to Iran’s deep-rooted national identity as a key factor shaping its response.

“Iran is a proud nation, a nation which has ancient history, civilisation, culture, and traditions. So they are not swayed by what are called the theatrics,” he said.

His remarks highlight that geopolitical negotiations are not merely strategic calculations—they are also deeply influenced by history, pride, and perception.

Has Diplomatic Protocol Been Ignored?

The former diplomat expressed surprise at what he described as a lapse in established diplomatic norms by the United States.

“Iran will be keen to talk, but you have to decide how you approach them. And this is not the niceties have not been followed. And there is a procedure, standard procedure, protocol procedure, and I am a diplomat, and I would be surprised if the American diplomacy doesn't understand or know the nuances,” he said.

He stressed that successful negotiations require tact, respect, and an understanding of the other side’s sensitivities.

“If you are really serious about sorting out a problem, how to go about doing the situation, which is what surprises me, that they have the best diplomatic foreign service in the world, I mean that's what they claim, they have all the facilities and yet they lose sight of the semantics, how to go about doing it, how to bring them, how to massage their ego, because every individual, every country has self-respect, ego. And if you just say that you are dancing to their tune or they are accepting your command, then that's not going to work,” he added.

What Could Be the Global Consequences?

Soni warned that the ripple effects of such conflicts extend far beyond the immediate region, hitting the most vulnerable the hardest.

“The whole world is affected. The economy is disrupted, the lives of poor people are affected, particularly as collaterals, if you go to Africa, if you go to certain countries in Asia, they are going to pay through their nose, and they have not done anything to deserve that kind of treatment,” he said.

His remarks draw attention to the disproportionate burden borne by developing nations during geopolitical crises.

Has India Missed a Strategic Opportunity?

Reflecting on India’s role, Soni suggested that New Delhi may have missed an early chance to influence outcomes but should still back peace efforts.

“For us, yes, we have missed the chance, we have missed the boat. But we should support any effort which is made anywhere irrespective of whether it is X, Y, and Z country,” he said.

He added that supporting diplomatic solutions aligns with India’s broader interests.

“It's in the interest of humanity, it's in the interest of the world peace, and it's in interest of India and the countries in the region,” he added, referencing recent engagements involving Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

(With inputs from ANI)