Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has responded assertively to Donald Trump’s ‘Maximum Pressure’ campaign, emphasizing that Iran will not negotiate under coercive conditions. He criticized Trump’s treatment of Ukraine’s leadership and stressed the need for respectful diplomatic discussions. Pezeshkian rejected an ultimatum from Trump regarding Iran’s nuclear program, reinforcing the strained U.S.-Iran relations since the withdrawal from the JCPOA in 2018.
Masoud Pezeshkian, the President of Iran, has recently articulated a stern response to Donald Trump’s intensified ‘Maximum Pressure’ campaign against the Iranian economy and political landscape. Speaking during a meeting with the Iran Entrepreneurs Forum in Tehran on March 11, Pezeshkian emphasized that “Iran is not Ukraine,” asserting that he would not negotiate with the United States under the same conditions applicable to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine.
The tensions escalated following a controversial meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy, in which Trump emphasized a narrative suggesting Ukraine is provoking global conflict. During this meeting, Vice President JD Vance criticized Zelenskyy’s demeanor, further straining relations. Following these events, Trump claimed the U.S. is faring better in negotiations with Russia than with Ukraine, impacting perceptions of his foreign policy decisions.
Pezeshkian expressed concerns regarding the feasibility of reaching a deal with the U.S., citing the aggressive nature of the American approach. He declared that Iran’s private sector must bolster its resilience against Western sanctions, stating, “If we do not sanction ourselves, America or anyone else will not be able to easily sanction us.”
The relationship between the United States and Iran remains fraught, particularly after Trump’s withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018. This agreement mandated Iran’s adoption of procedures to ensure limitations on nuclear activities, promising the reduction of sanctions in return. However, since the U.S. departure, the ‘Maximum Pressure’ initiative has aimed to significantly weaken the Iranian economy via stringent sanctions on vital sectors such as oil and banking.
Although Iran has reaffirmed its willingness to negotiate the removal of sanctions, Pezeshkian reiterated that such discussions would not occur under Trump’s proposed terms, particularly as they pertain to other global leaders like Zelenskyy. He condemned Trump’s conduct, highlighting the need for mutually respectful dialogues, stating that negotiations must be conducted “with dignity and based on mutual respect and shared interests.”
Rejecting a reported ultimatum from Trump for Iran to cease its nuclear advancements in exchange for sanctions relief, Pezeshkian emphasized the unacceptable nature of coercive tactics, warning Trump: “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 Pezeshkian of Iran has unequivocally rejected President Trump’s ‘Maximum Pressure’ campaign, asserting that Iran will not engage in negotiations under coercive circumstances. His remarks during a recent forum highlight concerns over U.S. tactics and emphasize the importance of mutual respect in diplomatic discussions. Furthermore, Pezeshkian’s refusal to comply with Trump’s demands, combined with his call for the strengthening of Iran’s private sector against sanctions, underscores a critical and ongoing tension between the two nations.
Original Source: www.unilad.com
