Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has stated that Iran will not negotiate under U.S. pressure, alleging that the U.S. aims to impose its expectations. Trump’s reinstated “maximum pressure” campaign alongside Iran’s breach of nuclear limits exacerbates tensions. U.N. watchdog chief warns of diminishing diplomatic opportunities, while Iran insists its nuclear program is peaceful.
In a recent meeting with senior Iranian officials, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei expressed Iran’s firm stance against negotiations with the United States, stating that the U.S. seeks to impose its expectations rather than genuinely resolve issues. Khamenei emphasized, “The insistence of some bully governments on negotiations is not to resolve issues, but to dominate and impose their own expectations.” The Iranian leader affirmed that Tehran will not acquiesce to these demands, asserting the negotiations encompass more than just the nuclear issue.
Former President Donald Trump, while signaling openness to a potential deal with Tehran, has reinstated a “maximum pressure” campaign aimed at isolating Iran economically and reducing its oil exports to zero. During his previous administration, Trump withdrew from a significant nuclear agreement between Iran and world powers, which had imposed strict limitations on Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. Following the U.S. withdrawal in 2018, Iran has subsequently violated these stipulations and exceeded prior enrichment limits.
Rafael Grossi, the chief of the U.N. nuclear watchdog, has warned that time is running out for diplomatic efforts to establish new restrictions on Iran as the nation continues to enhance its uranium enrichment closer to weapons-grade levels. Nonetheless, Tehran maintains that its nuclear program is intended solely for peaceful purposes, countering accusations related to nuclear proliferation.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s statements reflect Iran’s resistance to negotiating under U.S. pressure, indicating a broader geopolitical struggle. As diplomatic paths seem to narrow, particularly with the backdrop of Trump’s sanctions and Iran’s nuclear advancements, the international community faces significant challenges in addressing this complex issue. The pursuit of peaceful nuclear development by Iran remains a contentious point amid rising tensions.
Original Source: m.economictimes.com
