Iran Open to US Agreement If National Interests Are Honored: President Pezeshkian
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Synopsis
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has stated that the nation is willing to negotiate a deal with the US in ongoing indirect discussions, provided that its national interests are respected. He emphasized a firm stance against any coercion while reaffirming Iran's commitment to protecting its interests during the negotiations.
Key Takeaways
- Iran is ready for an agreement with the US if its national interests are safeguarded.
- Pezeshkian warns against unequal negotiations and pressure from the US.
- The indirect talks continue with mediation from Oman.
- The lifting of US sanctions is a key demand for Iran.
- Efforts to revive the 2015 nuclear deal have faced challenges.
Tehran, April 22 (NationPress) Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has expressed that Iran is willing to pursue a deal with the United States during the ongoing indirect discussions, as long as the nation's interests are safeguarded.
"In our discussions with the US, we are prepared to reach an agreement within a specified framework while ensuring our national interests," Pezeshkian stated during a meeting in Tehran on Monday.
He cautioned, however, that if the US representatives do not engage with us on equitable terms, we will forge our own path.
The president emphasized that, as previously articulated by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran remains "neither optimistic nor pessimistic" regarding the negotiations, as reported by Xinhua.
Pezeshkian reiterated that Tehran does not aim for conflict but will resist any form of coercion. "We do not seek confrontation with anyone, but we will not accept pressure or intimidation," he asserted.
His remarks followed the second round of indirect discussions between Iran and the United States, which took place in Rome on Saturday with mediation from Oman. The first round was conducted in Muscat on April 12, and a third session is set for the Omani capital this coming Saturday.
During a weekly press conference in Tehran, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei highlighted that the lifting of US sanctions remains Iran's primary demand in the talks.
In the meantime, US President Donald Trump characterized the recent discussions as "very good." Speaking to journalists over the weekend, Trump commented, "We had very productive meetings regarding Iran," adding, "The next step will require a bit more time."
These discussions followed a letter from Trump to Iran's leadership in early March, suggesting talks concerning Tehran's nuclear program. Trump later issued a warning of military action if Iran dismissed his invitation for negotiations.
Iran entered into the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action with six major powers — Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia, and the United States — in 2015. Under this accord, Tehran committed to limiting its nuclear program in exchange for relief from sanctions.
In 2018, the United States, under Trump’s administration, unilaterally exited the agreement and reinstated sanctions, leading Iran to gradually diminish its compliance with nuclear obligations. Efforts to restore the deal have yet to make significant headway.
