Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has firmly responded to Donald Trump’s ‘Maximum Pressure’ campaign, asserting that Iran will not negotiate under imposed conditions. He criticized Trump’s treatment of Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and expressed commitment to protect Iran’s dignity in negotiations. Relations between the US and Iran remain strained since the US exit from the JCPOA, with Pezeshkian indicating that threats and coercion are unacceptable.
Masoud Pezeshkian, the President of Iran, has articulated a pointed response to Donald Trump regarding his intensified ‘Maximum Pressure’ campaign against Iran’s economy and politics. During the Iran Entrepreneurs Forum held in Tehran on March 11, President Pezeshkian reiterated his firm stance that ‘Iran is not Ukraine’ and emphasized his unwillingness to negotiate with the United States under conditions similar to those proposed to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The tensions escalated following Trump’s contentious meeting with Zelenskyy, which involved a televised debate that some observers found uncomfortable. Trump made provocative statements, claiming Ukraine is ‘playing with World War III,’ and his Vice President, JD Vance, criticized Zelenskyy’s demeanor and attire, alleging disrespect towards the United States.
Pezeshkian’s remarks suggest a bleak outlook for negotiations with the US, as he accused the country of initiating a campaign of force. He asserted that while Iran’s private sector strives for resilience, it will work to fortify itself against Western sanctions, stating, “If we do not sanction ourselves, America or anyone else will not be able to easily sanction us.”
Relations between Iran and the US have deteriorated since Trump withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018. This agreement mandated Iran to undertake confidence-building measures to restrict its nuclear activities in exchange for alleviated sanctions. However, following the US pullout, the Trump administration enforced a ‘maximum pressure’ strategy aimed at crippling Iran’s economy through extensive sanctions targeting oil exports and the banking system.
Despite Iran’s expression of willingness to negotiate for the lifting of sanctions, it is steadfast in its refusal to engage under the terms Trump has imposed on other nations, particularly Ukraine. Pezeshkian critiqued Trump’s conduct, stating, “We must maintain relationships with the world… we will never live in disgrace.”
Moreover, he characterized Trump’s actions during the Oval Office meeting as ‘truly shameful’ and reiterated, “If negotiations are conducted with dignity and based on mutual respect… the language of threats and coercion is absolutely unacceptable.”
Pezeshkian dismissed Trump’s ultimatum, conveyed through a letter requesting Iran to cease its nuclear and missile programs in return for sanctions relief. He concluded with a decisive warning to Trump, asserting, “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 conclusion, President Masoud Pezeshkian’s response underscores Iran’s defiance against the United States’ ‘Maximum Pressure’ campaign, emphasizing the nation’s resolve not to compromise under coercive conditions. His criticisms of Trump’s dealings with world leaders illustrate Iran’s commitment to maintaining dignity in international relations, reaffirming its position against negotiations that compromise its sovereignty. As the situation develops, the potential for diplomatic engagement remains uncertain, with both parties holding firm to their stances.
Original Source: www.unilad.com
