In a critical moment of international diplomacy, Iran has expressed willingness to negotiate with the United States but firmly rejects any discussions under the "maximum pressure" policy reinstated by President Donald Trump. This development emerges amidst heightened tensions following Washington's imposition of new sanctions targeting entities and individuals involved in shipping Iranian crude oil to China. Iran's stance comes as a direct response to Trump's call for a "verified nuclear peace agreement" and his assertion that Iran "cannot have a nuclear weapon."
The backdrop to this diplomatic standoff traces back to 2015 when Iran entered into a landmark nuclear agreement with the US, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, China, and Russia. This accord aimed to regulate Iran's nuclear program in exchange for the easing of international sanctions. However, in 2018, Trump unilaterally withdrew the United States from the agreement, reimposing heavy sanctions on Tehran despite opposition from European allies. Iran maintains that its nuclear ambitions are peaceful and denies any intention to develop atomic weapons.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has articulated Iran's firm position against negotiating under duress from concurrent sanctions. He stated that negotiations should not be conducted within the framework of a 'maximum pressure' policy, as it would equate to a form of surrender.
"The lifting of sanctions requires negotiations, but not within the framework of a ‘maximum pressure’ policy, because it would not be a negotiation but a form of surrender." – Abbas Araghchi
The recent sanctions by Washington further complicate the situation. On Thursday, the US announced financial penalties on entities and individuals accused of facilitating the transfer of hundreds of millions of dollars worth of Iranian crude oil to China. This move underscores the ongoing economic and political pressure applied by the Trump administration on Tehran.
Iran's readiness to engage in dialogue is juxtaposed with a strong internal voice cautioning against negotiations with the US. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who holds ultimate authority over strategic decisions in Iran, has urged the government to refrain from what he described as "reckless" talks with Washington.
"Iran does not want to negotiate with a country that is simultaneously imposing new sanctions." – Abbas Araghchi
