Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian responds to Donald Trump’s ‘Maximum Pressure’ campaign, emphasizing refusal to negotiate under Trump’s conditions. Pezeshkian stresses dignity in negotiations and criticizes Trump’s treatment of world leaders. He warns against ultimatums and asserts Iran’s resilience against sanctions. The ongoing conflict since the US withdrew from the JCPOA poses challenges for diplomatic dialogue.
Masoud Pezeshkian, the President of Iran, has issued a stern response to former President Donald Trump’s intensification of the ‘Maximum Pressure’ campaign against Iran’s economy and politics. At the Iran Entrepreneurs Forum held in Tehran on March 11, Pezeshkian emphasized that Iran would not negotiate based on the conditions Trump had set with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, asserting, “Iran is not Ukraine.”
The tensions escalated following a controversial meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy in the Oval Office, characterized by confrontational dialogue. Trump later remarked that the United States was managing its relationship with Russia better than with Ukraine. This shift in focus reflects the challenges Pezeshkian perceives in reaching an agreement with the US, particularly amid ongoing forceful tactics.
Pezeshkian noted the private sector’s desire for resilience against Western sanctions, advocating that Iran should independently strengthen itself against external pressures. He argued, “If we do not sanction ourselves, America or anyone else will not be able to easily sanction us.”
Since the Trump administration’s withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), relations between Iran and the US have become increasingly fraught. The withdrawal prompted significant sanctions targeting Iran’s oil exports and banking sector, leading to ongoing negotiations regarding sanctions relief that Iran is willing to engage in but only under fair terms.
In his address, Pezeshkian condemned Trump’s approach towards Zelenskyy and underscored the importance of dignified negotiation. He stated, “If negotiations are conducted with dignity and based on mutual respect and shared interests, we will sit down and talk. But the language of threats and coercion is absolutely unacceptable.”
Moreover, he rejected an ultimatum presented by Trump regarding Iran’s nuclear and missile programs, asserting that such demands would not be tolerated. Pezeshkian concluded with a strong warning, indicating that threats from the US would be met with refusal to negotiate, saying, “It is unacceptable for us that they give orders and make threats. I won’t even negotiate with you. Do whatever the hell you want.”
In summary, President Masoud Pezeshkian’s response to Donald Trump’s ‘Maximum Pressure’ campaign underscores Iran’s refusal to accept humiliating negotiations. Pezeshkian emphasized dignity and respect as fundamental to any discussions and firmly rejected any ultimatums posed by the US. The ongoing tension since the US withdrawal from the JCPOA highlights significant barriers to diplomatic engagement between Iran and the United States.
Original Source: www.unilad.com
