Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has extended an olive branch to the United States, expressing his willingness to engage in dialogue with President Donald Trump on equal terms. Speaking during a recent meeting, Pezeshkian questioned the effectiveness of threats in fostering negotiations, stating, “If you want negotiations, then what is the point of threatening?”
The remarks come in response to Trump’s recent warning of bombings and secondary sanctions if Iran fails to reach an agreement with Washington on its nuclear program. Trump has advocated for direct talks, arguing that they are more efficient and provide a better understanding of the other side compared to negotiations through intermediaries.
Pezeshkian, however, emphasized that Iran would not participate in discussions under pressure or threats. He highlighted the breach of promises in past agreements as a major obstacle to building trust, urging the U.S. to demonstrate its commitment to fair negotiations.
The escalating tensions have reignited global concerns over Iran’s nuclear activities, which Tehran insists are solely for civilian purposes. The situation remains precarious, with both nations navigating a complex web of diplomacy, sanctions, and regional security challenges. As the world watches closely, the prospect of dialogue on equal footing offers a glimmer of hope for de-escalation.
