Iraqchi: Direct Negotiations with the U.S. Impossible While Maximum Pressure Continues

Iran's Foreign Minister states that Tehran is unwilling to negotiate with the U.S. regarding its nuclear program "under pressure, threats, and sanctions." Abbas Iraqchi announced on Tuesday, March 7, at a joint press conference with the visiting Russian Foreign Minister that the Islamic Republic is advancing its positions on nuclear negotiations in "cooperation and coordination" with Russia and China. He emphasized: "There will be no possibility of direct negotiations between us and the U.S. on the nuclear issue as long as maximum pressure is applied in this manner." According to Iranian media, Sergey Lavrov, the Russian Foreign Minister, made a one-day visit to Tehran to discuss regional issues and bilateral relations. His visit comes just a day after the U.S. imposed new sanctions on Iran, with the U.S. Departments of State and Treasury sanctioning several individuals, companies, and oil tankers related to the transportation and sale of Iranian oil products. Donald Trump, the President of the United States, issued an order on February 5 to reinstate "maximum pressure" on Iran, stating that this action would be very stringent. He also expressed his willingness to negotiate with Iranian officials to reach a new agreement to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. However, Ali Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Republic, rejected negotiations with the Trump administration, stating that such actions are "not wise, not intelligent, and not honorable." Masoud Pezeshkian, the President of Iran, also commented on Khamenei's statement, saying that Mr. Trump wants to "bring the revolution to its knees." Pezeshkian had previously supported negotiations with the U.S. to lift sanctions and resolve Iran's economic problems during his electoral campaign. Sergey Lavrov also mentioned negotiations regarding the JCPOA during the joint press conference with his Iranian counterpart, stating that Moscow believes there is still diplomatic capacity. Meanwhile, the Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency described the JCPOA as "an empty shell" and stated that he does not believe anyone thinks the JCPOA can play a role at present. These remarks by Rafael Grossi angered Iranian officials, and the Iranian Foreign Ministry labeled them as "political and unprofessional." Russia and Iran have faced criticism from Western countries due to military cooperation since the onset of Moscow's attack on Ukraine, and Iran has been sanctioned multiple times by the U.S. and the European Union for providing suicide drones used by Russia in its attacks on Ukraine. Europe has also accused Tehran of supplying medium-range missiles to Russia.