Iran open to US talks if dignity, sincerity are shown: Pezeshkian
2 Min Read
Despite expressing openness to dialogue, the Iranian President has previously questioned the sincerity of US overtures, especially in light of concurrent sanctions and efforts to undermine Iran's government.
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Iran's national flag waves in northern Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, March 31, 2020 (AP)
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has indicated a potential willingness to resume discussions with the United States, contingent upon Washington demonstrating genuine commitment to negotiations.
This development comes amid heightened tensions following US President Donald Trump's reinstatement of the "maximum pressure" campaign against Iran on February 4, aiming to reduce Iran's oil exports to zero.
Concurrently, regional oil dynamics are shifting as Iraq has announced plans to restart the Iraq-Turkey Pipeline (ITP), a move likely tied to US pressure. The pipeline's resumption is expected to add approximately 185,000 barrels per day to global oil supplies, potentially offsetting the anticipated decline in Iranian exports due to renewed sanctions.
On February 4, Trump expressed a desire for a new agreement with Iran, stating, "I would love to be able to make a great deal. A deal where you can get on with your lives."
However, Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on February 7, dismissed the efficacy of negotiations with the US, asserting that such talks do not resolve Iran's issues and recalling past unfulfilled agreements, including the 2015 nuclear deal.
Later, on February 21, President Pezeshkian reiterated Iran's openness to dialogue but noted that it would not come "at any cost." He stressed that negotiations must be conducted with dignity, free from coercion or unreasonable demands: "If they come with dignity, we will negotiate, but we will not yield to coercion... we seek dialogue and negotiation, but not at any cost."
Read more: Iran will negotiate but not at any cost: Pezeshkian
Despite expressing openness to dialogue, Pezeshkian has previously questioned the sincerity of US overtures, especially in light of concurrent sanctions and efforts to undermine Iran's government.
