Iran has declared its refusal to engage in direct discussions with the United States regarding its nuclear program in light of President Donald Trump’s policy of applying “maximum pressure” against the country, according to Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
This statement follows the recent imposition of additional sanctions by the US targeting Iran’s oil industry, its primary source of revenue.
“We have a clear stance on negotiations about our nuclear program and we will not engage in talks under pressure and sanctions,” Aragchi stated during a joint press conference with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Tehran on Tuesday.
“We have no intention of holding direct talks with the US as long as this maximum pressure continues,” Aragchi emphasized.
Since his return to the White House, Trump has resumed his “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran, seeking to diminish the country’s oil exports and reimplementing a strict policy towards Iran that was prevalent during his first term.
Earlier this month, Iran’s top leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also expressed that discussions with the US were not considered wise, smart, or honorable.
In 2018, during his initial term, Trump withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran and six world powers, resulting in limitations being surpassed by Iran and unsuccessful attempts to revive the agreement under the Biden administration.
Regarding its nuclear program, Iran held discussions with Germany, France, and Britain after renewing engagement with them last year. Aragchi informed Lavrov about the latest talks.
“We will continue to cooperate with our friends in Russia and China on the nuclear issue,” Aragchi noted.
The Russian foreign minister remarked that diplomatic solutions were still viable for addressing concerns related to Iran’s nuclear program.
Both Iran and Russia have bolstered their relationship in recent years, particularly as they faced sanctions over their involvement in Syria. Despite facing setbacks in Syria with the removal of President Bashar al-Assad, the two countries maintain a close relationship in the region.
Lavrov’s visit to Iran coincided with direct talks between US and Russian officials for the first time since the start of the conflict in Ukraine. Lavrov praised Trump’s “balanced” stance on the Ukrainian conflict after the US aligned with Russia on UN resolutions.
The foreign ministers portrayed a united front on regional and bilateral issues, emphasizing the need to expand economic and political ties while navigating sanctions.
