Ayatollah Khamenei declared that Iran will not negotiate under pressure from the U.S., rejecting Washington’s intent to impose demands in nuclear discussions. Trump and Hughes emphasized options of military action or negotiation. Diplomatic efforts are growing urgent, as Iran accelerates uranium enrichment amid rising tensions with the West.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stated that Iran would not be coerced into negotiations following President Donald Trump’s appeal for talks regarding a nuclear deal. During a meeting with Iranian officials, Khamenei asserted that Washington’s intentions are focused on imposing its own demands, indicating that negotiations are merely a means to new stipulations beyond Iran’s nuclear issue.
In the context of Khamenei’s indications, White House National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes reiterated Trump’s position, highlighting the dual options of negotiations or military action. Hughes expressed a desire for the Iranian regime to prioritize the welfare of its populace over its support for terrorism.
Trump’s administration has reinstated the “maximum pressure” campaign initially implemented in his term from 2017 to 2021, which aimed to isolate Iran and eliminate its oil exports following the U.S. withdrawal from the nuclear agreement in 2018. This led Iran to breach the accord’s limits on nuclear activities significantly.
Rafael Grossi, the chief of the UN nuclear watchdog, conveyed concerns regarding the urgency of diplomatic solutions as Iran accelerates its uranium enrichment nearing weapons-grade levels, even as Tehran insists its nuclear endeavors remain peaceful.
Khamenei emphasized that resisting coercion and bullying is imperative, underscoring that Iran would not acquiesce to unreasonable demands regarding its defense capabilities and regional influence, which are viewed as destabilizing by Western nations. As tensions rise with the U.S. and Israel, Tehran has showcased enhancements to its military, including a drone carrier and an underground naval base.
In summary, Ayatollah Khamenei’s firm stance against U.S. pressures indicates a refusal to engage in negotiations dictated by Washington. The potential for military action remains a backdrop, highlighting the precarious position of international diplomacy regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions. With Iranian advancements in military capabilities and the assertion of peaceful intentions for its nuclear program, the situation remains tense, emphasizing the need for thoughtful engagement by global powers.
Original Source: www.livemint.com
