Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the nation will not negotiate with the U.S. while under its “maximum pressure” campaign, deeming such discussions as surrender. He emphasized that lifting sanctions requires genuine negotiations, not coercion. The backdrop includes the 2015 nuclear deal, which was undermined when President Trump withdrew in 2018 and reinstated sanctions. Recent U.S. sanctions target networks facilitating Iranian oil exports to China, complicating diplomatic relations further.
Iran has firmly declined to engage in negotiations with the United States while the latter maintains its “maximum pressure” policies, as asserted by Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. He criticized such dialogue, suggesting it signifies capitulation rather than true negotiation. “Lifting sanctions requires negotiations, but not under the framework of ‘maximum pressure,’ because in that case, it would not be negotiations but a form of submission,” Araghchi stated. He reiterated Iran’s position against negotiating with a nation that imposes new sanctions concurrently, echoing sentiments voiced by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who labelled talks with Washington as “reckless.”
The backdrop to this situation includes the 2015 nuclear agreement, which Iran reached with six major powers, including the United States. This accord involved Iran curbing its nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. However, the agreement was jeopardized when President Donald Trump withdrew from it in 2018, reinstating stringent economic penalties that had widespread implications for Iran’s economy. Trump’s recent statements continue to advocate for a peace agreement with Iran, under the condition that the latter forgoes its nuclear ambitions.
Furthermore, the U.S. Treasury Department has imposed new sanctions targeting a global network involved in exporting substantial quantities of Iranian oil to China. These developments exacerbate tensions between both nations in light of ongoing diplomatic challenges, particularly surrounding nuclear negotiations.
This article addresses the rising tensions between Iran and the United States, particularly in the context of diplomatic negotiations that are hindered by the latter’s punitive approaches. The so-called “maximum pressure” campaign initiated by the Trump administration has been a pivotal factor impacting Iran’s willingness to negotiate, particularly after the 2015 nuclear agreement was abandoned. The history of sanctions and diplomatic relations between the two nations is crucial to understanding the current situation.
In conclusion, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has firmly rejected any negotiations with the United States while under the “maximum pressure” campaign. He underscores that genuine diplomacy cannot occur under coercive circumstances that resemble submission. With the implications of renewed sanctions and the tumultuous history of U.S.-Iran relations, the path towards constructive dialogue remains fraught with challenges. The refusal for talks amidst increasing sanctions reflects a broader strategy from Iran to resist what it sees as unjust pressures from the U.S.
Original Source: shafaq.com