Negotiations

The United States is currently engaged in very sensitive negotiations with Iran over Iran's nuclear program. The State Department asks you, as a consultant in cross-cultural communications, to give them some tips on how their diplomats should plan their negotiations. To answer this question, think about what factors might influence the communication (setting, non-verbals, language, etc.) and give what you think is the most important advice. You don't have to be an Iranian culture or politics expert, but you can tell them what to look for as something to be concerned about.
I would say the number one thing to keep in mind is that Iran views the U.S. as a force to be reckoned with and is trying to equate itself with such a nation. Therefore, basing negotiations on that accepted ideology I would tell the U.S. to underplay. This is not a situation in which we can be the dominant player and control the other party. They no we want them to discontinue the build up of nuclear weapons and so we might have to play in a little.
For starters, I would definitely stay more than a day or two in the country, if we can spare time. Maybe just visit to see what the culture is like and become accustomed to it so that we are not reading "how to's" from a book. Also, by staying there for longer then the negotiations beforehand you are showing indirectly that you are comfortable with Iran and want to be friends, friends who do not have to have weapons of mass destruction just in case. Next, bring your own translator to allow them to speak in their own language. Ideas flow more natural in your original language of thought and I am sure they will feel more comfortable, but at the same time you do not want your message misconstrued so it is important to know your translator. Another tip would be to make some type of concession on the part of the U.S. in relation to our own nuclear program. Maybe going our with some aggreement that we will not use our weapons, or we will provide them with protection if necessary, etc. I know that Iran is probably a high context culture and therefore need only shake on it so for now leave doctrines and contracts at home.
I also realize that the State Department might not be happy with such a laid back, let Iran talk first approach because we love to control every situation. BUt in some instances it is necessary. I would not suggest to approach every situation like this because then we will be played like a fittle and used, or considered weak. So the most important thing ot remember is that sometimes to be the strongest you have to let others participate, in this case, the participation would be Iran leading the negotiations, hosting the U.S. official and getting a little something for it in return.