Iran has ruled out direct negotiations with the United States on its nuclear program, citing President Donald Trump’s renewed “maximum pressure” campaign. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made this clear after meeting with Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Tehran. The announcement follows the latest round of US sanctions, which target Iran’s vital oil industry.
No Talks Under Pressure
During a joint press conference on Tuesday, Araghchi dismissed the possibility of talks with Washington under current conditions.
“Iran’s stance is clear. We will not negotiate under pressure and sanctions,” he stated. “As long as the maximum pressure campaign continues, direct talks with the US are out of the question.”
His comments align with the recent statements of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who also rejected negotiations, calling them “neither smart, wise, nor honorable”. However, Khamenei did not reinstate the formal ban on US-Iran talks that was in place during Trump’s first term.
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Trump Restores Hardline Policy
Since returning to office, Trump has revived his hardline stance on Iran, reinstating severe economic measures aimed at crippling Iran’s oil exports. This policy mirrors his 2018 decision to withdraw from the 2015 nuclear deal, which had lifted sanctions in exchange for restrictions on Iran’s nuclear activities.
Following the US withdrawal, Iran breached several restrictions under the deal, arguing that it was no longer bound by the agreement. Attempts to revive the accord under former President Joe Biden failed, leaving diplomatic efforts at a standstill.
Iran Engages with European Powers
While rejecting talks with the US, Iran has revived negotiations with Germany, France, and Britain—the E3 nations that remain committed to salvaging the nuclear deal. On Monday, Iran held another round of discussions with the European trio, signaling a willingness to engage diplomatically, but on its own terms.
Russia, a key ally of Iran, has supported Tehran’s position, advocating for a diplomatic solution that does not involve US intervention. Lavrov reaffirmed Moscow’s commitment to working with Iran to counter Washington’s aggressive policies.
Future of US-Iran Relations
With tensions escalating, the path forward remains uncertain. The maximum pressure policy is pushing Iran further away from negotiations with Washington, while engagement with European allies and Russia continues. Whether the renewed US sanctions will force Iran back to the table or deepen the diplomatic deadlock remains to be seen.
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