The story: Senior political figures in Iran, including government officials, are signaling an openness to dialogue with the Donald Trump administration. In parallel, the Islamic Republic is moving to project unity at home, in a possible message that any talks will be held from a position of strength. But the path to negotiations is fraught with challenges. The latest snag is an alleged murder-for-hire plot by Iran to assassinate Trump, which Tehran has dismissed.

The coverage: Trump’s victory in the Nov. 5 US presidential elections has fueled apprehension in Iran, particularly amid...