Iran has declined to negotiate under the terms set by U.S. President Trump, stating this to Russian officials. Trump has reinstated maximum pressure on Iran, while expressing willingness to engage in dialogue. The JCPOA, which Iran no longer respects due to U.S. withdrawal and sanctions, is critical to understanding current tensions. Iran affirms it does not seek nuclear weapons, complicating international diplomacy.
Iran has communicated to Russia its stance that it will not negotiate under the terms dictated by U.S. President Donald Trump, as stated by a senior Iranian official. This announcement followed the visit of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to Tehran, where he expressed openness to facilitating nuclear negotiations with Washington through diplomatic means. The official noted that Tehran welcomed this initiative, emphasizing their unwillingness to negotiate based on Trump’s conditions.
Recently, President Trump signed an executive order aimed at reinstating maximum pressure on Iran, while expressing hope that this pressure would not be excessively applied. He reiterated his readiness to engage in dialogue with the Iranian leadership.
The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), established on January 16, 2016, involved Iran and the P5+1 nations regarding Iran’s nuclear program but was undermined when the U.S. withdrew from the agreement on May 8, 2018. This withdrawal was accompanied by the imposition of fresh sanctions against Iran starting in November 2018, which has led Iran to announce its non-compliance with the nuclear deal restrictions since 2020.
As of the end of 2020, Iran’s parliament initiated a strategic plan to advance its nuclear capabilities in response to ongoing sanctions, which included suspending additional commitments outlined in the JCPOA and the Additional Protocol beginning February 23, 2021. This shift led to a reduction in the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) monitoring capabilities by approximately 20-30 percent.
Iran maintains that its nuclear strategy does not aim for the development of an atomic bomb and opposes the production of weapons of mass destruction, reinforcing its position in the international arena.
In summary, Iran’s recent refusal to negotiate on U.S. terms signals a strong stance against pressure tactics and reflects the ongoing complexities of the JCPOA. Iran’s strategic shift in nuclear policy and its commitment against atomic weapon development highlight the tensions that persist in U.S.-Iran relations. These elements underscore the challenging diplomatic landscape and the need for renewed negotiations to address the nuclear issue effectively.
Original Source: news.az
