Iran will consider President Trump’s letter described as ‘threats and opportunities’ but asserts it will not negotiate under pressure. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi noted Iran’s current challenges but promised a strong comeback. The US has imposed additional sanctions targeting Iran’s oil exports as tensions continue amid ongoing nuclear negotiations.
Iran will consider a letter from President Donald Trump, described as containing “threats and opportunities,” but maintains that it will not engage in direct negotiations under pressure and sanctions. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi clarified this stance amid current efforts to initiate dialogues regarding Iran’s nuclear capabilities, while the country faces struggles with its allies in the Middle East.
Mr. Araghchi acknowledged the difficulties Iran is currently facing, comparing it to challenges experienced during the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s. He assured that Iran would recover, leveraging the “invaluable experience” gained from recent trials. Despite Trump desiring negotiations, Iran’s position is clear: “Negotiations must take place from a position of equality.”
The letter, which was delivered during a diplomatic visit by UAE adviser Dr. Anwar Gargash, is still under review, and Iran will respond through proper channels without haste. Iran continues to advance uranium enrichment, reportedly increasing it to 60 percent purity, nearing the threshold for weapons-grade levels according to the International Atomic Energy Agency.
On the sanctions front, the US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control announced measures targeting a network supporting Iranian oil exports, aiming to disrupt its financial operations. The Foreign Minister noted that Trump’s letter has a threatening tone, though it claims to present opportunities, and they are weighing how to respond based on both aspects.
Referring to the late Maj Gen Qassem Suleimani, he mentioned, “As martyr Suleimani put it: within every threat lies an opportunity,” highlighting their intention to identify and seize the opportunities amid current threats. The region’s influence from Iran’s “axis of resistance” appears weakened following the loss of Hezbollah’s leadership and military capability and struggles faced by the Assad regime.
Reflecting on the past year, Mr. Araghchi recognized the challenges but expressed optimism for the future, stating that the country will utilize its experiences to launch forward more effectively.
Iran remains firm in its refusal to negotiate under sanctions or pressure, emphasizing that negotiations must occur on equal terms. The response to Trump’s letter will consider both its threats and opportunities. Despite recent setbacks, Iran expresses hope for a stronger future, drawing invaluable lessons from current experiences. Furthermore, ongoing US sanctions continue to pose challenges to Iran’s financial operations and nuclear advancements.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com