Iran keeps door open to talks with Trump

Iran has indicated its openness to negotiations with the incoming Donald Trump administration but warned that any attempt to reimpose a “maximum pressure” campaign would fail to extract concessions.

Majid Takht-Ravanchi, Iran’s deputy foreign minister, stated that coercion would not work in the ongoing standoff over Tehran’s nuclear program. While Tehran is open to dialogue, Takht-Ravanchi emphasized the need to observe US policy before responding, noting that it was premature to predict specific outcomes, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Takht-Ravanchi pointed out that the 2015 nuclear deal, from which Trump withdrew the US, could still serve as a foundation for renewed negotiations if the other parties return to their commitments. He reiterated Iran’s willingness to resume talks, but also blamed the Trump administration for sabotaging negotiations during the first term by refusing to engage. He warned that if Trump reinstates a tough stance, “maximum pressure will be met with maximum resistance.”

During his first term, Trump’s withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and his “maximum pressure” sanctions campaign escalated tensions with Iran, leading Tehran to expand its nuclear activities. Trump has since nominated Iran hawks to key positions, signaling a hardline approach toward Iran.

Takht-Ravanchi dismissed the likelihood of new oil sanctions under Trump, claiming that attempts to drive Iran’s oil exports to zero would fail given the current global landscape. He added that the Iranian government hoped Trump would avoid repeating past mistakes, as the outcome would be the same.

Despite internal challenges, including economic hardship and regional conflict, Iran has maintained its stance of supporting allied militant groups, particularly in the "axis of resistance" against Israel. Takht-Ravanchi stated that while Tehran does not seek war, it is prepared to defend itself against any imposed conflict, stressing that Iran’s policy of supporting these groups remains unchanged.

By Vafa Guliyeva