Ayatollah Ali Khamenei asserts that Iran will not negotiate under U.S. pressure, describing Washington’s offers as attempts to impose expectations rather than resolve issues. He emphasizes Iran’s refusal to accept such demands, regardless of the negotiation context. Meanwhile, former President Trump’s maximum pressure strategy continues to impact Iran’s global standing amidst concerns about its nuclear enrichment activities.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei of Iran has declared that Tehran will refuse to engage in negotiations under the pressure of what he characterizes as U.S. ‘bully’ tactics. As reported by Iranian state media, Khamenei emphasizes that the intention behind Washington’s negotiation offers is to impose its own demands rather than to genuinely resolve issues. He asserts, “The insistence of some bully governments on negotiations is not to resolve issues, but to dominate and impose their own expectations.”
Khamenei further explains that any discussions proposed by the U.S. serve as a means for them to set new expectations beyond just the nuclear issue. He firmly states, “Iran will definitely not accept their expectations.”
In contrast, former President Trump had expressed a willingness to negotiate with Tehran while simultaneously reasserting a ‘maximum pressure’ campaign aimed at curtailing Iran’s oil exports and isolating the nation financially. During his first term, Trump withdrew from a pivotal agreement limiting Iran’s nuclear capabilities in exchange for the easing of sanctions. Subsequently, Iran exceeded the original nuclear limits post-withdrawal.
The head of the U.N. nuclear watchdog, Rafael Grossi, has indicated that the window for diplomatic efforts to impose further restrictions on Iran’s nuclear activities is closing, as Iran continues to enhance its uranium enrichment towards potentially weapons-grade levels. Nevertheless, Tehran maintains that its nuclear ambitions are intended strictly for peaceful purposes.
In summary, Ayatollah Khamenei’s remarks encapsulate Iran’s unwavering stance against U.S. negotiation tactics, insisting that discussions must not be dictated by external pressures. The backdrop of U.S. sanctions and the history of diplomatic negotiations significantly influence Iran’s current position and highlight international concerns regarding its nuclear program. The approaching deadline for effective diplomacy underscores the urgency of addressing Iran’s nuclear developments before they escalate further.
Original Source: m.economictimes.com
