Iran's Foreign Minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, declared on Monday that his country will not entertain nuclear negotiations conducted under pressure and intimidation. He made these remarks via a post on the social media platform X, responding to U.S. President Donald Trump's calls for negotiating a nuclear deal with Tehran.
"We will not negotiate under pressure and intimidation," Araghchi stated, specifically referring to Washington's military threats and sanctions imposed on Iran. "We will not even consider it, no matter what the subject may be. Negotiation is different from bullying and issuing diktats."
The minister emphasized that "Iran's nuclear energy program has always been and will always remain entirely peaceful," dismissing any accusations of potential militarization.
Araghchi further mentioned that Iran is engaging in separate consultations with international stakeholders "on an equal footing and with mutual respect." The aim is to explore avenues for building greater confidence and transparency regarding its nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of "unlawful" sanctions.
In a recent interview with Fox Business Network broadcast on Friday, former President Trump expressed his desire to negotiate the nuclear issue with Iran and claimed to have sent a letter to the country's leadership. However, during a weekly press conference in Tehran on Monday, Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman, Esmaeil Baghaei, stated that the country has not yet received such a letter.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
