The Power of Time: In Negotiation, the Hurrier Always Loses

By Mark Young

President, Rational Games Foundation

June 3, 2026

“Sit by the river and watch the house burn down” Adapted from the Chinese stratagem “Watch the fire burning across the river.”

The world is watching the Iranian negotiation situation.

Who has the leverage?

Whoever has more time. The Iranians.

President Trump blusters and threatens, painfully aware of the clock ticking at home as gas prices rise. Naturally impatient, he desperately wants a deal now and is not afraid to show it.

The Iranians, on the other hand, see no need to hurry.

Their “red lines” are all still intact, and they have discovered a potent and lucrative new weapon in the Straits of Hormuz.

Consider:

• The dates for negotiations in Pakistan keep slipping. Ceasefire deadlines on the American side are made and extended for no real reason. The Iranians either cancel their attendance or wait until the last minute for the plane of the Iranian delegation to take off. Or not!

• Even deadlines for new proposals keep the other side waiting. “We should be hearing from them on Friday,” says Trump. “Definitely on the weekend.” Or perhaps next week? TBA?

• Once arrived for the first round of talks in Pakistan, the Americans announced that they had a plane to catch. When their first fairly bold proposal was not immediately accepted, they packed up and left.

This year, the United States will celebrate its 250th reunion. The Persian/Iranian nation, on the other hand, has existed for over 2,500 years in terms of its distinct imperial identity and cultural heritage.

What more needs to be said?

Comments welcome!