Iran refuses to negotiate with the U.S. amid the ongoing maximum pressure campaign, with Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stating that talks would equate to surrender. The response comes in light of new U.S. sanctions and a history of failed agreements. Supreme Leader Khamenei also advises against negotiations due to past U.S. non-compliance.
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, announced on Saturday that the country will not engage in negotiations with the United States as long as the “maximum pressure” campaign from the Trump administration remains in effect. He described any such talks as a form of surrender. Stating that, “Lifting sanctions requires negotiations, but not under the framework of ‘maximum pressure,’ because in that case, it would not be negotiations but a form of submission,” Araghchi asserted Iran’s refusal to engage with the U.S. while facing simultaneous sanctions.
The context of this situation stems from the U.S.-Iran relations, particularly following the U.S. exit from the 2015 nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Under this agreement, Iran agreed to curtail its nuclear program in exchange for economic sanctions relief. However, the Trump administration’s withdrawal from the deal in 2018 and reintroduction of severe sanctions has significantly strained diplomatic relations. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has also expressed skepticism towards negotiations with the U.S., highlighting the country’s history of not honoring agreements made with Iran.
In summary, Iran has firmly rejected negotiations with the U.S. under the current atmosphere of sanctions and pressure. Officials, including Deputy FM Araghchi, emphasize that true negotiations cannot occur while the U.S. simultaneously imposes sanctions, which they equate to coercion. This stance is reinforced by remarks from Iran’s Supreme Leader, who cautions against engaging with the U.S. owing to past experiences.
Original Source: shafaq.com
