Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian responded critically to Donald Trump’s ‘Maximum Pressure’ campaign, asserting that discussions cannot occur under coercive conditions. He emphasized Iran’s independence and resilience against Western sanctions while condemning the US’s approach. His statements reflect the ongoing tension since the US withdrawal from the JCPOA and underscore Iran’s unwillingness to be subjected to threats or humiliation in negotiations.
Masoud Pezeshkian, the president of Iran, has issued a pointed response to Donald Trump’s intensified ‘Maximum Pressure’ campaign against the Iranian economy and political landscape. Speaking at the Iran Entrepreneurs Forum in Tehran, President Pezeshkian emphasized that “Iran is not Ukraine” and refused to engage in negotiations with the United States under the terms presented to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The controversy surrounding Trump’s meeting with Zelenskyy, which included a heated televised debate, has influenced perceptions of negotiations between the United States and Iran. Trump controversially suggested that dealing with Russia might be easier than engaging with Ukraine, intensifying the situation for Iran. Pezeshkian expressed concern for the prospects of reaching an agreement with the US after accusing it of initiating a campaign of coercion.
Pezeshkian stated that while the Iranian private sector aims to grow stronger, it must do so to mitigate the effects of Western sanctions. He insisted, “If we do not sanction ourselves, America or anyone else will not be able to easily sanction us.”
Relations between Iran and the United States have soured significantly since Trump’s withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018. This agreement required Iran to limit its nuclear activities in exchange for sanction relief, which vanished with the US withdrawal, subsequently leading to severe sanctions designed to cripple Iran’s economy.
While Iran is open to discussions regarding the termination of sanctions, Pezeshkian made it clear that Tehran will not engage under the conditions set by Trump, specifically citing the treatment of Zelenskyy as unacceptable. He remarked, “We must maintain relationships with the world… we will never live in disgrace.”
Furthermore, Pezeshkian condemned Trump’s Oval Office conduct as “truly shameful,” emphasizing that negotiations should proceed only with dignity and mutual respect. He deemed any language of threats or coercion as intolerable, firmly stating that it is unacceptable for the US to dictate terms and threaten Iran, asserting: “I won’t even negotiate with you. Do whatever the hell you want.”
In conclusion, President Masoud Pezeshkian’s response to Donald Trump signifies Iran’s firm stance against US pressures and its determination to engage in negotiations only under dignified terms. The discontent with Trump’s approach toward Ukraine highlights a broader rejection of coercive tactics in international relations. Pezeshkian’s remarks convey Iran’s desire for respect and autonomy in discussions pertaining to sanctions and nuclear negotiations, emphasizing a commitment to defense against perceived threats from the United States.
Original Source: www.unilad.com
