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Welcome to The Adversarial. Every other week, we’ll provide you with expert analysis on America’s greatest challengers: China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and jihadists. Read more below.***IranThe election of Donald Trump has prompted a cautious response in Iran. Iranian officials, including President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, have stated that “it does not matter” who holds the U.S. presidency, reaffirming that Iran’s priorities remain guided by its national interests. They emphasize that Tehran judges American presidents by their actions rather than their stated policies.However, underlying this rhetoric are significant concerns stemming from the memory of Trump’s previous “maximum pressure” campaign, which placed severe economic strain on Iran. Amid escalating tensions with Israel, Iranian leaders worry that Trump may offer Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a free hand — or even assistance — in potentially attacking Iran.Tehran has made its opposition to any renewed pressure tactics clear, pointing to Iran’s so-called “maximum resistance” strategy — which countered Trump’s campaign and, according to Araghchi, resulted in America’s “maximum defeat.” Nonetheless, the leadership has stopped short of dismissing potential engagement, instead stressing that any talks must be grounded in mutual respect and recognition of Iran’s rights and sovereignty. This stance reflects a cautious openness to diplomatic engagement, but not from a position of weakness or at any cost.Beyond the government, Iran’s policy circles and experts remain divided on how best to approach Trump. Some argue that initiating talks could ease sanctions, while others favor a continued stance of resistance, doubting that concessions would bring meaningful change. Meanwhile, all eyes are on Trump’s cabinet appointments. Initial selections for key positions, such as national security advisor and secretary of defense, are seen as indicators of a possible hardline U.S. approach, raising concerns in Tehran about an escalation in pressure and a potentially confrontational path