On April 8, speaking to reporters, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani declared that Tehran will not bow to Washington's directives, stressing that Iran decides its own foreign policy based on national interests.
Kanaani said: "Iran will not accept any imposition or directive from the United States. We pursue an independent and balanced foreign policy based on the principle of mutual respect."
The statement came amid escalating tensions between the two countries over Iran's nuclear program and US economic sanctions.
Washington has repeatedly called on Tehran to change several policies, including reducing uranium enrichment activities and ceasing support for armed forces in the region. However, Iran has consistently rejected these demands, viewing them as interference in its internal affairs.
Analysts suggest the latest statement may diminish hopes for an early diplomatic process between the two sides, which has been stalled since the US withdrew from the nuclear deal in 2018 and reimposed sanctions.
