Iran reportedly assembled a team of psychologists to analyze President Donald Trump’s behavior, social media posts, and negotiating style in an effort to predict his next moves during high-stakes nuclear talks with the United States in Switzerland.

According to a report in The Wall Street Journal, Iranian negotiators sought outside behavioral experts after becoming frustrated with Trump’s unpredictable tactics, hoping to build a psychological profile that would help them anticipate his public statements and negotiating strategy.

The report says tensions peaked last weekend when Trump posted a threatening message directed at Iran while negotiations were underway. Mohammad Ghalibaf, who headed the Iranian delegation, reportedly halted direct talks after learning of the post in protest.

While Iranian officials reportedly consulted psychologists behind the scenes, a source familiar with the negotiations told the Journal that no psychologists were present on the official negotiating team.

In addition to the psychological analysis, Iranian diplomats have reportedly been studying Trump’s 1987 book, “The Art of the Deal,” to better understand his negotiating methods. The book advocates making bold and unexpected demands to create leverage and pressure opponents into concessions.

Mohammad Amrasi, an Iran expert at the Wilson Center, told the newspaper that Trump appears to be applying those same tactics during the current negotiations, though he said Iranian officials are familiar with the strategy.

The report also noted that Trump has openly embraced using social media as a negotiating tool and has previously said he wants to appear unpredictable in order to strengthen the U.S. bargaining position.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)