Iranian President Rebukes Trump’s ‘Maximum Pressure’ Campaign

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has responded sharply to Donald Trump’s ‘Maximum Pressure’ campaign, asserting that Iran will not negotiate under coercive conditions. He condemned Trump’s treatment of Zelenskyy as shameful, emphasizing that negotiations should be based on dignity and mutual respect. Pezeshkian also dismissed Trump’s ultimatum regarding Iran’s nuclear program while warning against threats from the United States.

Masoud Pezeshkian, the President of Iran, has delivered a significant rebuttal to Donald Trump following an escalation in Trump’s ‘Maximum Pressure’ campaign against Iran. During a meeting at the Iran Entrepreneurs Forum in Tehran on March 11, President Pezeshkian articulated his determination not to negotiate with the United States under the conditions afforded to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, stating emphatically, ‘Iran is not Ukraine.’

The backdrop for Pezeshkian’s comments includes a contentious meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy, which received considerable media attention. During this encounter, Trump made provocative assertions, suggesting that Ukraine risks instigating World War III, while Vice President JD Vance criticized Zelenskyy’s attire and lack of adequate gratitude towards the U.S.

Pezeshkian expressed concern about the implications of a deal with the U.S., accusing the nation of initiating a campaign of force against Iran. While he acknowledged the necessity of strengthening Iran’s private sector in response to Western sanctions, he remarked, “If we do not sanction ourselves, America or anyone else will not be able to easily sanction us.”

Relations between Iran and the U.S. have deteriorated since Trump exited the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018, a move that imposed a harsh ‘maximum pressure’ campaign aimed at undermining Iran’s economy through strict sanctions targeting pivotal sectors. Despite Iran’s readiness to negotiate for an alleviation of sanctions, it steadfastly refuses to engage under the conditions stipulated by Trump, particularly in light of his approach to other world leaders.

Critically, Pezeshkian condemned Trump’s behavior in the Oval Office during the Zelenskyy meeting as ‘truly shameful.’ He stated, “If negotiations are conducted with dignity and based on mutual respect and shared interests, we will sit down and talk. But the language of threats and coercion is absolutely unacceptable.” Furthermore, he dismissed a reported ultimatum from Trump demanding Iran cease its nuclear and missile programs for sanctions relief, signaling a firm rejection of such terms.

In a decisive closing statement, Pezeshkian denounced the U.S. for its approach, declaring, “It is unacceptable for us that they give orders and make threats. I won’t even negotiate with you. Do whatever the hell you want.”

In summary, President Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran has firmly rejected President Trump’s intensified ‘Maximum Pressure’ campaign and the conditions tied to potential negotiations between the two countries. Pezeshkian’s responses underscore Iran’s unwavering stance against coercion, advocating for dignity and mutual respect in future discussions. His comments reflect the ongoing tensions and the complexities of U.S.-Iran relations, especially following the withdrawal from the JCPOA. The tension is underscored by Pezeshkian’s rejection of Trump’s ultimatums while emphasizing that Iran will not succumb to external pressures or threats.

Original Source: www.unilad.com