Ayatollah Khamenei asserts that Iran will not accept U.S. pressure for nuclear negotiations, following Trump’s proposal for dialogue. He emphasizes that U.S. demands extend beyond nuclear issues. The Iranian regime claims its nuclear program is peaceful, but tensions rise as it enhances its military capabilities amid U.S. sanctions and scrutiny.
On Saturday, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared that Iran will resist pressure from Washington regarding nuclear negotiations. This statement followed U.S. President Donald Trump’s acknowledgment that he had reached out to Khamenei, proposing discussions about Iran’s nuclear program.
In an interview with Fox Business, Trump outlined two potential approaches for dealing with Iran: military intervention or striking a deal to avert further nuclear developments. Khamenei contended that the U.S. aimed to impose its demands and highlighted that negotiations, as perceived by the U.S., serve as a vehicle for additional demands beyond Iran’s nuclear situation.
White House National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes reaffirmed Trump’s perspective, reiterating that the choice lies between negotiations or military action. Hughes urged the Iranian regime to prioritize the well-being of its citizens over its support for terrorism.
Throughout his presidency from 2017 to 2021, Trump reinstated a stringent sanctions regime aimed at economically isolating Iran and forcing its oil exports to minimal levels, following the U.S. withdrawal from the nuclear agreement in 2018. This agreement originally imposed strict limits on Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for relief from sanctions.
After the re-imposition of sanctions, Iran resumed nuclear activities, exceeding previous limitations. Rafael Grossi, head of the UN nuclear watchdog, has cautioned that the window for diplomatic resolutions to address Iran’s nuclear advancements is closing swiftly, as Tehran enhances its uranium enrichment levels towards those suitable for weapons.
Khamenei emphasized that standing against external coercion is crucial, asserting that Iran would reject new demands concerning defense capabilities and missile range. Iran maintains that its ballistic missile program is defensive; however, the perception in the West is that it exacerbates regional instability in an already volatile Middle East. Recent developments in Iran’s military capabilities include the introduction of new weapon systems, including a drone carrier and an underground naval facility, amidst ongoing tensions with the U.S. and Israel.
Ayatollah Khamenei’s statements reflect Iran’s firm stance against U.S. pressure regarding nuclear negotiations, asserting that dialogue, in the U.S. view, aims to introduce further demands. The situation remains tense, as Iran continues to enhance its nuclear and military capabilities while rejecting external coercion. The prospect of diplomatic solutions appears increasingly precarious as time runs out to prevent further escalation of Iran’s activities.
Original Source: www.livemint.com
