Masoud Pezeshkian, Iran’s President, responded critically to Trump’s ‘Maximum Pressure’ campaign, asserting that Iran will not negotiate under the same terms as Ukraine. He emphasized the need for dignity and mutual respect in negotiations and rejected any threats from the U.S., maintaining Iran’s sovereignty amidst ongoing sanctions since the U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA.
Masoud Pezeshkian, the President of Iran, has issued a significant response to former President Donald Trump’s intensified ‘Maximum Pressure’ campaign. Speaking at the Iran Entrepreneurs Forum in Tehran, on March 11, he articulated that Iran will not negotiate under the same conditions applied to Ukraine, stating, ‘Iran is not Ukraine.’
The context of this heated discourse draws from Trump’s recent meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during which contentious comments were made. It was reported that Trump expressed a preference for dealing with Russia over Ukraine, suggesting tensions had escalated during this engagement. Pezeshkian’s comments reflect a broader concern regarding negotiations and U.S. policies affecting Iran.
President Pezeshkian emphasized the importance of strengthening Iran’s private sector to counter Western sanctions imposed following the U.S. withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018. He argued that if Iran does not take proactive measures against sanctions, external pressures will be more impactful. He remarked, “If we do not sanction ourselves, America or anyone else will not be able to easily sanction us.”
Since the U.S. departure from the nuclear deal, Iran has asserted its willingness to engage in negotiations regarding sanctions, albeit not under Trump’s proposed terms. Pezeshkian criticized the U.S. for perceived disrespect towards Zelenskyy and insisted that the negotiation process must be respectful and dignified despite the pressures from the U.S.
He firmly rejected any ultimatums from Trump, stating that Iran will not be coerced into negotiations involving threats. Pezeshkian’s declaration, “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,” highlights Iran’s firm stance against the U.S. position on negotiations with respect to their nuclear and missile programs.
In summation, President Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran has robustly condemned Donald Trump’s ‘Maximum Pressure’ campaign and firmly stated that Iran will not engage in negotiations under coercive conditions. The comments made during the Iran Entrepreneurs Forum reflect Iran’s intention to maintain its autonomy and dignity in international relations, while also suggesting a resilience against sanctions. The dialogue between the two nations remains fraught with tension, impacting prospects for future negotiations regarding Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
Original Source: www.unilad.com
