President Trump’s sensational remarks about engaging in negotiations with Iran convey a key message: Washington has already abandoned its traditional objective of pursuing regime change in Iran, and Trump has effectively acknowledged the legitimacy of Iran’s current government. This marks a fundamentally new stance by Washington since the outbreak of the war. In my view, it could serve as a political foundation for the US and Iran to reach an agreement through sustained efforts. That said, the situation may still evolve. Before a final agreement is reached, it cannot be ruled out that negotiations and confrontations will alternate.