Iran is set to start nuclear talks with the US on Friday, sticking to strong demands like in previous rounds. This is surprising as Iran has been weakened by military strikes and sanctions since June last year. Israel killed more than 30 Iranian commanders and hit many military targets. The US attacked Iran’s major nuclear sites with B-2 bombers and Tomahawk missiles, damaging its nuclear program. The UN also reimposed sanctions in September after European powers agreed. In January, the US added a 25% tariff on countries trading with Iran. These actions caused Iran's currency to lose over half its value and food prices to soar, triggering nationwide protests with brutal crackdowns. Despite these pressures, Iran’s government acts confident. Their negotiators are experienced and tough. Wendy Sherman, who led US talks earlier, said Iran's team is legalistic and full of stamina. Tehran seems sure the talks in Oman won’t collapse immediately and that its government will survive any fallout. Analysts say Iran believes Trump won’t risk a full attack due to possible harsh retaliation and wider regional instability. Hamidreza Azizi said the security elite think Trump “doesn’t want prolonged and messy wars at high cost.” Iran also doubts that Trump has a real plan to change the Iranian regime or work with opposition groups inside the country. Senator Marco Rubio admitted last week, “I don’t think anyone can give you a simple answer as to what happens next in Iran if the supreme leader and the regime were to fall.” Some exiles hope a US strike would inspire Iranians to rise up, while many inside want foreign help too. However, prominent dissidents like former Prime Minister Mir Hossein Mousavi and Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi oppose outside attacks, fearing war would harm Iran’s path to democracy. They call for peaceful change and justice instead. Recent arrests of activists demanding reform show ongoing repression. Even advisers to regime opponents warn pushing crowds to protest may backfire. For now, Trump seems focused more on negotiations than supporting jailed Iranians. But tensions remain high as the Oman talks begin.