Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian sharply criticized Donald Trump’s intensified ‘Maximum Pressure’ campaign, asserting that Iran will not negotiate under conditions similar to those offered to Ukraine. He emphasized a commitment to dignity in negotiations and rejected any ultimatums from the US, reinforcing Iran’s desire for self-reliance amidst continued sanctions.
Masoud Pezeshkian, the President of Iran, has articulated a stern rebuttal to Donald Trump’s intensification of his ‘Maximum Pressure’ campaign against Iran. During a meeting of the Iran Entrepreneurs Forum in Tehran on March 11, Pezeshkian reiterated that “Iran is not Ukraine,” emphasizing that he will not engage in negotiations under the conditions upheld by Trump regarding Ukraine.
The controversy surrounding Trump’s meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has amplified tensions, after which Trump claimed Ukraine could invoke World War III and criticized Zelenskyy as ‘disrespectful’ for his lack of formal attire. Following this exchange, Trump expressed that the United States was more amenable to working with Russia than Ukraine at this juncture.
President Pezeshkian expressed grave concerns regarding the potential for a constructive deal with the United States, denouncing what he perceived to be a campaign of intimidation initiated by the US. He asserted that while Iran’s private sector desires to be bolstered, it will do so to bolster resistance against Western sanctions.
Since President Trump’s withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018, which mandated Iran to curtail its nuclear activities in exchange for reduced sanctions, relations between the two nations have deteriorated significantly. Trump’s administration’s ‘maximum pressure’ initiative has aimed to cripple Iran’s economy through extensive sanctions impacting oil exports and the banking sector.
Despite Iran’s readiness to negotiate the lifting of sanctions, Pezeshkian has made clear that the conditions proposed by Trump—a refusal to negotiate under the same terms offered to Ukraine—are unacceptable. He criticized Trump’s approach to Zelenskyy, asserting that Iran seeks to maintain cordial relations globally, but will not submit to humiliation.
He stated, “We may die with honor, but we will never live in disgrace.” Pezeshkian emphasized that negotiations, premised on dignity and mutual respect, must replace the current language of threats. Furthermore, he has categorically rejected any ultimatums from Trump, including demands for Iran to cease its nuclear and missile programs in exchange for sanctions relief, affirming, “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 summary, President Masoud Pezeshkian’s response to Donald Trump’s ‘Maximum Pressure’ campaign underscores Iran’s resolute stance against external coercion. He emphasizes dignity in negotiations, rejects Trump’s terms, and expresses a commitment to self-sufficiency amid sanctions. The ongoing tensions highlight the complexity of US-Iran relations post-JCPOA withdrawal, as mutual respect appears to be crucial for any potential dialogue moving forward.
Original Source: www.unilad.com
