White House: The Islamic Republic Has Only Two Options; Agreement or Military Action

On Saturday, March 9, the spokesperson for the National Security Council of the White House responded to Farhad Poladi, a reporter for the Persian section of Voice of America, regarding Ali Khamenei's statements, saying: "Donald Trump has clearly stated that the Islamic Republic has only two paths, achieving an agreement or military confrontation." Brian Hughes also noted: "But we hope the Iranian regime prioritizes its people and national interests over terrorism." Ali Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Republic, during a meeting with several officials on Saturday, March 9, referred to the possibility of negotiations with the U.S., stating that their goal is to "set new expectations" and that these expectations "will definitely not be met by [the Islamic Republic] Iran." A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department also reacted to Khamenei's remarks, telling Voice of America that the President of the United States has explicitly stated that he is committed to preventing the Iranian government from acquiring nuclear weapons and has expressed his readiness to negotiate a "deal with Iran." He added: "If the Iranian regime does not want an agreement, the President has clearly stated that Iran will remain under the revived maximum pressure campaign." In his remarks, the leader of the Islamic Republic claimed that negotiations are not for "resolving issues" but for "domination" and asserted that the topic will not be limited to "nuclear" matters, including issues such as "defensive capabilities," "international capabilities" of the country, and restrictions regarding "missile range." Since returning to the White House, Donald Trump has revived the "maximum pressure" policy and called for a comprehensive agreement with the Islamic Republic. However, Ali Khamenei has declared any negotiations with the U.S. forbidden. Meanwhile, the economic situation in Iran is worsening daily due to the regime's extensive tensions with the world and the West. A few days ago, Donald Trump announced that he had written a letter to the leaders of the Islamic Republic expressing hope for negotiations. The U.S. President also warned that the only options facing the Islamic Republic are "achieving an agreement" or "military action." On Friday, March 8, Trump also stated at the White House regarding Iran: "A big event will happen soon; decisive moments regarding Iran have arrived, and interesting days are ahead." He emphasized: "I hope the outcome is peace, but the other way will also solve the problem." Khamenei rejected the proposal for negotiations; the U.S.: If they do not want an agreement, maximum pressure will remain. The UN welcomed Trump's letter to Khamenei: diplomacy is the best option. Donald Trump regarding the Iranian government: A big event will happen soon. Reuters: The U.S. is considering a plan to inspect Iranian oil tankers. The U.S. State Department: We will hold the Iranian regime accountable with all available tools. Trump: I wrote a letter to Khamenei; hope for resuming nuclear negotiations. The U.S. Treasury Secretary: We will bankrupt the Iranian government again.