Iran rules out direct talks with US while Trump exerts ‘maximum pressure’

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran would not engage in direct dialogue with the United States regarding its nuclear program under the "maximum pressure" policy imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. This statement clearly defines Iran's position in the current situation, demonstrating a firm stance against external pressure.

Araghchi's remarks came a day after the United States imposed a new round of sanctions on Iran's oil industry, a primary source of revenue for the country. This action further intensified the already strained relationship between the United States and Iran, also increasing the difficulty of any potential dialogue between the two nations.

Speaking via televised broadcast at a joint press conference with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Tehran, Araghchi said, "Iran's position on the nuclear negotiations is clear; we will not negotiate under pressure and sanctions." He emphasized that there is no possibility of direct negotiations between Iran and the United States while the "maximum pressure" policy continues to be implemented.

Previously, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had also stated that negotiating with the United States is "unwise, unintelligent, and dishonorable." Despite this, he did not reiterate the ban on direct dialogue with Washington that was issued during Trump's first term. Simultaneously, Iran recently held a new round of talks with Germany, France, and the United Kingdom regarding its nuclear program, resuming engagement with these three countries (the E3) at the end of last year.

Lavrov expressed his belief that diplomatic means are still viable in resolving the Iranian nuclear program issue. He also praised Trump for taking a "balanced" stance on the Ukraine war issue, noting that Washington had previously voted alongside Moscow in a United Nations resolution, avoiding condemnation of Russia's invasion. Both foreign ministers expressed a common position on the situation in Syria, emphasizing the maintenance of Syria's peace, stability, territorial integrity, and unity, and supporting the Syrian people's right to independently determine the country's development direction.