Tehran – Iran has formally rejected the possibility of direct negotiations with the United States over its nuclear program, marking its first official response to former President Donald Trump’s recent threats of military action if Tehran refuses to engage in talks. President Masoud Pezeshkian, in a statement on Sunday, left the door open for indirect diplomacy through mediators but firmly dismissed any talks under coercion, escalating tensions between the two nations.
Iran’s Defiant Stance
President Pezeshkian emphasized that while Iran does not outright avoid diplomacy, Washington’s history of reneging on commitments—particularly Trump’s 2018 withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)—has eroded trust.
“We don’t avoid talks; it’s the breach of promises that has caused issues for us so far. They must prove that they can build trust,” Pezeshkian said. He confirmed that Iran had relayed its position through Oman, a traditional intermediary, suggesting that indirect negotiations remain a possibility.
The statement comes days after Trump, now the Republican presidential nominee, warned that if Iran refuses to negotiate, the U.S. would respond with military force. “If Iran doesn’t agree to a nuclear deal, then there will be bombing—and it will be bombing the likes of which they have never seen before,” Trump declared at a recent campaign rally.
Washington’s Hardline Response
The U.S. State Department swiftly countered Pezeshkian’s remarks, reiterating its stance that a nuclear-armed Iran is unacceptable.
“The president [Trump] expressed his willingness to discuss a deal with Iran. If the Iranian regime does not want a deal, the president is clear—he will pursue other options, which will be very bad for Iran,” a State Department spokesperson said.
Trump has also threatened to impose “secondary tariff restrictions” on Iran, which would penalize third-party countries trading with Tehran, further isolating its economy.
A History of Broken Diplomacy
The 2015 JCPOA, negotiated under the Obama administration, imposed strict limits on Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. However, Trump’s unilateral withdrawal in 2018 and reimposition of crippling sanctions led Iran to gradually abandon its compliance.
Efforts to revive the deal under the Biden administration stalled, with both sides accusing the other of intransigence. Now, with Trump poised for a potential return to the White House, Tehran appears unwilling to engage without guarantees that any new agreement won’t be scrapped again.
Regional and Global Implications
The escalating rhetoric raises fears of renewed conflict in the Middle East. Israel, a staunch opponent of the JCPOA, has long warned of military action if Iran nears nuclear weapons capability. Meanwhile, European powers—still party to the original deal—have urged restraint, fearing another regional crisis.
Russia and China, key allies of Iran, have criticized Trump’s threats. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called the warnings “reckless,” while Beijing urged “dialogue over coercion.”
What’s Next?
- Indirect Talks via Oman? – Mediation could keep diplomacy alive but faces skepticism from hardliners in both capitals.
- Military Posturing – The U.S. has bolstered its presence in the Gulf, while Iran continues enriching uranium at near-weapons-grade levels.
- Election Wildcard – A Trump victory in November could mean even tougher sanctions—or military strikes. A Biden reelection might revive stalled negotiations.
Conclusion: A Dangerous Standoff
With Tehran refusing direct talks and Trump threatening war, the risk of miscalculation is higher than ever. As Pezeshkian’s government navigates internal pressure from conservatives, and the U.S. heads into a volatile election season, the window for peaceful resolution appears to be closing rapidly.
For now, the world watches to see whether Oman or other mediators can prevent a catastrophic breakdown—or if Trump’s threats will push the Middle East toward another devastating conflict.
Source : indianexpress
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