Iranian President Responds to Trump’s ‘Maximum Pressure’ Campaign

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has reacted strongly against Donald Trump’s ‘Maximum Pressure’ campaign, asserting that Iran will not negotiate under the conditions set for other leaders. He criticized Trump’s treatment of Zelenskyy, emphasizing Iran’s desire for mutual respect in negotiations and rejecting U.S. ultimatums. The relationship remains tense following the U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA in 2018.

Masoud Pezeshkian, the President of Iran, has issued a significant response to Donald Trump’s escalating ‘Maximum Pressure’ campaign against Iran’s economy and political landscape. During a session at the Iran Entrepreneurs Forum on March 11, President Pezeshkian firmly declared that ‘Iran is not Ukraine’ and asserted his refusal to engage in negotiations with the United States under similar conditions afforded to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine.

The controversial interactions between Trump and Zelenskyy, which resulted in dramatic exchanges during their Oval Office meeting, have raised international concern. The meeting exposed tensions, with Trump suggesting that Ukraine’s situation could provoke global conflict and Vice President JD Vance criticizing Zelenskyy’s attire and lack of gratitude towards the United States.

Pezeshkian’s comments suggest a challenging environment for U.S.-Iran negotiations, as he accused the U.S. of initiating a forceful campaign against Iran. He emphasized that Iran’s private sector seeks empowerment to withstand Western sanctions, asserting, “If we do not sanction ourselves, America or anyone else will not be able to easily sanction us.”

The relationship between Iran and the U.S. has remained strained since Trump’s withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018. The JCPOA facilitated Iran’s nuclear program under specific restrictions and ensured more lenient sanctions prior to the U.S. departure, which triggered a harsh sanctions regime aimed at crippling critical sectors of Iran’s economy.

While Iran has indicated a willingness to discuss sanctions removal, Pezeshkian stressed that such negotiations would not occur under the conditions set forth by Trump for other world leaders. He criticized Trump’s treatment of Zelenskyy, maintaining that Iran seeks to build relationships without compromising its dignity, stating, “We may die with honor, but we will never live in disgrace.”

Moreover, he described Trump’s approach as ‘truly shameful’ and asserted that negotiations must be rooted in dignity and mutual respect. He dismissed an ultimatum allegedly issued by Trump regarding nuclear and missile program cessation in return for sanctions relief, concluding with a firm warning that it is unacceptable for the U.S. to issue demands, stating, “Do whatever the hell you want.”

In summary, President Masoud Pezeshkian’s statements highlight a firm stance against the pressures exerted by the U.S. under President Trump, reaffirming Iran’s refusal to negotiate under coercive conditions. The longstanding tensions exacerbated by the U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA continue to complicate diplomatic relations, as Pezeshkian calls for discussions based on mutual respect while rejecting any forms of humiliation. His comments indicate no compromise on Iran’s dignity and sovereignty in international affairs.

Original Source: www.unilad.com