Iran’s government spokesperson doubled down on the country's rejection of negotiations with the United States, arguing that Tehran will not bow to pressure and Washington does not understand the language of diplomacy.
"Negotiation is a strategic approach that Iran, as a nation committed to dialogue, has always pursued," the Fatemeh Mohajerani said following a cabinet meeting. However, she emphasized that "coercion and maximum pressure cannot be called negotiation."
She added that while Iranians will not bow to force or double standards. "You cannot issue maximum pressure policies with a smile and then claim to seek negotiations," she said.
US President Donald Trump has said he much prefers a deal over Iran's nuclear program over any military confrontation but reimposed harsh sanctions from his first term.
On February 5, Trump signed a presidential directive to resume his "maximum pressure" policy against the Islamic Republic, with the aim of reducing its oil exports to zero.
Trump also told Fox News "there are two ways to stop Tehran from developing a nuclear weapon: ‘With bombs or with a written piece of paper’."
Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has expressed opposition to negotiating with the US, saying such talks "have no impact on solving the country’s problems"."Negotiating would not be wise, intelligent or honorable," added Khamenei, who is the ultimate decision-makers on all matters of state.
On Monday, during state-led celebrations marking the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, several officials criticized Trump’s threats and the issue of negotiations.
In a speech, President Masoud Pezeshkian said, "Trump says, ‘Let’s negotiate,’ but signs every possible conspiracy against Iran and then claims he is ready for talks." Earlier, Pezeshkian said, "Our enemies think that if they besiege us, we will die of hunger," aligning with Khamenei’s stance against negotiations.
