US-Iran Deal Slowed by Web of Go-Betweens Facilitating Talks (1)

President Donald Trump has repeatedly said the US and Iran are on the cusp of a deal to end their conflict. The reality has proved more elusive — in part because of the nature of the negotiations themselves.

The latest confusion came as Trump claimed a deal was imminent on Thursday, saying an agreement could be signed as early as this weekend. By Friday, the president was posting on social media that “there is no such thing as dealing in good faith” with Tehran.

While Trump’s penchant for overstatement, threats and enticements helps explain some of the confusion, there’s another ...