Ayatollah Khamenei Declares Iran Will Not Negotiate Under U.S. Pressure
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei announced that Iran will resist U.S. pressure regarding nuclear negotiations. Following Trump’s outreach for talks, Khamenei emphasized that the U.S. seeks to impose its demands rather than resolve issues. As tensions escalate, both nations maintain divergent approaches toward Iran’s nuclear program and military capabilities, complicating potential diplomatic resolutions.
On Saturday, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei asserted that Iran will not succumb to pressure from the United States regarding negotiations on its nuclear program. This statement follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement that he had reached out to Khamenei to discuss a potential nuclear deal.
In remarks made during an interview with Fox Business, Trump indicated, “There are two ways to address Iran: militarily, or through a deal,” aiming to prevent the development of Iranian nuclear weapons, as reported by Reuters.
During discussions with senior Iranian officials, Khamenei highlighted that the true intention behind Washington’s insistence on negotiations is to impose their demands. He stated, “The insistence of some bullying governments on negotiations is not to resolve issues” and emphasized that Iran will not accept demands unrelated to its nuclear activities.
In response, White House National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes reiterated Trump’s focus on the dichotomy of negotiating or taking military action. He expressed hope that Iran would prioritize its citizens’ welfare over its support for terrorism.
While Trump maintains a willingness to negotiate with Iran, he has also reinstated a rigorous “maximum pressure” campaign designed to isolate Iran economically, reducing its oil exports to zero. He notably withdrew the U.S. from a pivotal agreement in 2018, which had placed stringent limits on Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief.
After the withdrawal and subsequent re-imposition of sanctions, Iran has significantly exceeded the original nuclear activity limits. Rafael Grossi, the head of the UN nuclear watchdog, cautioned that time is running out for diplomatic solutions to impose new restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program, as they accelerate uranium enrichment toward weapons-grade levels.
Khamenei, asserting his authority over Iran’s main policies, stated that resistance against coercive tactics is vital. He pointed out that new demands concerning Iran’s missile capabilities and international influence would be categorically rejected. Although Tehran claims its ballistic missile program is defensive, it is regarded as a source of destabilization in the Middle East.
In recent months, Iran has revealed enhancements to its conventional military capabilities, including its first drone carrier and an underground naval base, amid escalating tensions with the United States and Israel.
In summary, Ayatollah Khamenei firmly rejected any negotiations under U.S. pressure, asserting that Iran will not yield to external demands relating to its nuclear program or military capabilities. With ongoing tensions and a backdrop of economic sanctions, the prospect of diplomatic negotiations appears increasingly precarious as Iran continues its nuclear advancements. The U.S. maintains a dual policy of potential negotiations alongside a military approach, reflecting the complex dynamics at play in this critical geopolitical issue.
Original Source: www.livemint.com
