“Negotiating with Iran should be read not just by foreign service officials but also by academics and general readers interested in U.S.-Iran relations.”
—Ervand Abrahamian, Baruch College, CUNY

“This is an excellent book and an important contribution to what is rapidly becoming the central issue in American foreign policy. Limbert draws on years of professional and personal experience to explore and explain the problematic nature of Iran-U.S. relations and to offer coherent and constructive solutions for the future. Limbert is in the enviable position of being able to combine the perspective of a historian with the immediacy of a diplomat who has been at the forefront of America’s tragic relationship with Iran, to provide a penetrating yet accessible account of the relationship. This book should be essential reading for students and practitioners alike.”
—Ali M. Ansari, University of St. Andrews  

“Drawing on his personal observations, interviews with key players, and the historical record, John Limbert has written a thought-provoking study on the experience of negotiating with Iran in the recent past and the lessons the past provides for negotiating with Iran today.  This carefully documented essay is both handbook and history—a must read for both government officials who intend to sit at the negotiating table with Iran and all those interested in the tangled record of Iran relations with the West and Russia.”
—Shaul Bakhash, George Mason University

“A must-read for anyone who hopes for (or fears) an American reengagement with Iran. Superb diplomatic history focused on lessons learned rather than festering grievances. I hope Iranians read this as well as Americans.  Limbert is one of our few genuine Iran experts.”
—Richard W. Bulliet, Columbia University

“Well conceived and organized, a major addition to the study of contemporary Iran, this book is compelling reading and is comprehensive in its historical and political reach. The author provides a welcome resource as the United States. and other countries begin to consider expanded discussions with the Iranian leadership.”
—Nicholas Burns, Harvard University

“Written by an author intimately familiar with the Persian language, history, and customs, this unique work addresses and sets aside many false but widespread preconceptions about Iran, Iranians, and Iranian culture.  A useful addition to the literature on Iranian negotiating technique, style, and expectations, and a stand-alone book on the subject, this study is very timely. Iran has emerged as a regional power; on many crucial issues the United States and Iran are at a loggerhead; and the new American administration intends to launch on direct engagement with Iran. For Americans, understanding Iranian negotiating behavior is clearly critical at this juncture.”
—Haleh Esfandiari, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars

“John Limbert writes with empathy and honesty about the contentious relationship between Iran and America.  He offers deep insights into Iran’s complexities and contradictions, and into the short sightedness and occasional lapses of strategic sense on the part of American policymakers.  In the end, he wants to help heal the wounds between Tehran and Washington, and his book is full of wisdom, practical advice, and gentle humor about the former allies, current adversaries.”
—Ellen Laipson, The Henry L. Stimson Center

“An exceptional work and a must-read for anyone working on U.S.-Iran relations.  Thoughtful, honest, accessible, and intelligent, John Limbert has provided us with a tremendous service.  Not only will this work become the seminal text on Iranian negotiating behavior, but I think this is one of the most important works published on Iran over the last three decades.”
—Karim Sadjadpour, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace