Pezeshkian: US pressure undermines diplomacy, Iran demands binding guarantees
Theo en.irna.ir
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on March 20 criticized US pressure for derailing diplomatic progress and called for binding guarantees before negotiations can resume. He argued that Washington’s sanctions and tensions have undermined trust and conditions for successful talks. The remarks come after the 2018 US exit from the Iran nuclear deal and stalled indirect talks in Vienna.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on March 20 blamed US pressure for derailing diplomatic progress, insisting that Tehran requires binding guarantees before returning to the negotiating table.
Speaking at a press conference in Tehran, Pezeshkian said that Washington’s “maximum pressure” policy has rendered diplomatic efforts to resolve bilateral differences ineffective. He argued that Washington’s relentless sanctions and escalating tensions have eroded trust and destroyed the conditions needed for successful talks.
According to the Iranian president, for diplomacy to produce tangible results, Tehran demands enforceable guarantees from the United States. “Such guarantees must be clear and solid enough to prevent the repetition of pressure-based policies in the future,” Pezeshkian stressed.
The remarks come amid continued friction in US-Iran relations following Washington’s 2018 withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal and the re-imposition of economic sanctions. Indirect talks between the two sides in Vienna in recent years have stalled.
Analysts suggest that Pezeshkian’s hardline stance reflects Tehran’s frustration with what it sees as a lack of goodwill from Washington. However, both sides have left the door open for further dialogue should preconditions be met.
There has been no official response from the White House to the Iranian president’s statement.
