Kamal Kharrazi of Iran’s Strategic Council stated that Iran is willing to engage in negotiations with the West, provided the environment respects equality and mutual regard. He criticized the U.S. approach under Trump as totalitarian, insisting that negotiations cannot occur under coercive conditions. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reaffirmed that Iran would not engage directly with the U.S. amidst ongoing sanctions and pressure tactics.
Kamal Kharrazi, head of Iran’s Strategic Council of Foreign Relations, stated that Iran is open to engaging in “true negotiations” with the West, contingent on favorable conditions grounded in mutual respect and equality. During his interview at the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), he emphasized that the current climate does not allow for negotiations due to a perceived totalitarian approach from the U.S. administration under Donald Trump.
Kharrazi indicated that Iran would not compromise its principles, reflecting the Iranian spirit of resistance against oppression. He mentioned that until conditions improve—where the U.S. shows willingness for respectful dialogue—negotiations will remain off the table. He criticized Trump’s expectations for unilateral compliance, labeling them totalitarian.
Moreover, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi echoed Kharrazi’s sentiments, dismissing direct talks with the U.S. amid ongoing sanctions and pressure tactics. He clarified Iran’s staunch stance against negotiations under coercive measures, reaffirming that dialogue can only occur without the backdrop of threats or intimidation.
As Trump resumes his “maximum pressure” strategy initially deployed during his first term, it continues to hinder diplomatic progress. The tactic followed the U.S. exit from the 2015 nuclear agreement, unsettling Iran’s diplomatic landscape and complicating any potential dialogues with Western powers.
Iran’s leadership asserts that without a foundation of equality and respect, negotiations with the U.S. will not proceed. Kharrazi and Araghchi firmly oppose any discussions conducted under pressure or totalitarianism. As the current political climate remains unfavorable due to U.S. policies, Iran emphasizes the importance of mutual respect in future engagements.
Original Source: en.irna.ir
