Iranian President Rejects Trump’s Ultimatum, Calls for Dignified Negotiation

Iranian President Mohammad Pezeshkian responds to U.S. President Trump’s ultimatum regarding nuclear and missile programs, stating negotiations must be dignified and respectful. He emphasizes the importance of empowering Iran’s private sector against sanctions, while addressing the negative impact of the U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA and the upcoming 2025 deadline for restrictions on Iran’s nuclear activities.

During a recent meeting at the Iran Entrepreneurs Forum in Tehran, Iranian President Mohammad Pezeshkian emphasized the importance of maintaining global relationships without succumbing to humiliation. He stated, “We may die with honor, but we will never live in disgrace.” This remark was in response to what he termed an ultimatum from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Iran’s nuclear and missile programs.

Pezeshkian rejected the demands from Trump, which were communicated in a letter requesting halting Iran’s nuclear advancements in exchange for sanctions relief. He criticized the language used, stating, “Go do whatsoever you want,” highlighting the unacceptability of threats in negotiations. Furthermore, he condemned Trump’s treatment of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during their White House meeting as “truly shameful.”

The Iranian president argued for dialogues founded on dignity, mutual respect, and shared interests. He asserted, “But the language of threats and coercion is absolutely unacceptable.” In addressing the impact of sanctions, Pezeshkian noted that empowering Iran’s private sector would act as a buffer against external pressures, emphasizing, “If we do not sanction ourselves, America or anyone else will not be able to easily sanction us.”

Since Trump’s withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018, relationships between Iran and the United States have deteriorated significantly. The JCPOA, established in 2015, required Iran to limit its nuclear activities in return for sanctions relief. The subsequent U.S. “maximum pressure” campaign, aimed at crippling Iran’s economy, led to heightened regional tensions and discontent among European allies who still supported the agreement.

As a result of these pressures, Iran has slowly reduced its compliance with the JCPOA while asserting that its nuclear program is strictly peaceful. The approaching termination of the JCPOA in October 2025 poses a potential shift in international oversight on Iran’s nuclear endeavors. Iran remains open to negotiations to lift sanctions on the condition that they are conducted respectfully and uphold national sovereignty.

In summary, Iranian President Mohammad Pezeshkian has firmly rejected President Trump’s demands regarding Iran’s nuclear and missile programs, asserting the necessity for dignity in negotiations. The deteriorating relations since the U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA have led Iran to emphasize the importance of strengthening its private sector to withstand sanctions. As the October 2025 deadline for the JCPOA approaches, Iran continues to express a willingness to negotiate, provided it is on respectful terms that honor national sovereignty.

Original Source: ifpnews.com