Iran rejects US talks as protests erupt on revolution anniversary PHOTO

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has ruled out talks with the United States, accusing Washington of insincerity, as the country marked the 46th anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Speaking at an official event on February 10, Pezeshkian dismissed the prospect of negotiations, citing continued sanctions, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

“If the US were sincere about negotiations, why did they sanction us?” he asked.

His remarks reflect deep mistrust in Tehran over the idea of re-engaging with Washington, particularly under former President Donald Trump, who withdrew the US from the 2015 nuclear deal and reimposed sanctions. “He says, ‘Let’s have a dialogue,’ and at the same moment, he signs memos for all possible conspiracies against Iran,” Pezeshkian added.

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has also rejected the idea of renewed talks, calling them “unwise and dishonourable.”

Other senior officials echoed the president’s sentiments. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the US of using negotiations as a tool for submission. “What they mean by negotiation is surrender,” he said. “Iran negotiated in good faith, but the other side failed to fulfil its commitments and withdrew from the [2015 nuclear] agreement. Why should we trust them?”

Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh also ruled out talks under the current circumstances. “We will not negotiate under sanctions and threats, and we do not recognize the new US administration,” he said.

Meanwhile, the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force, Amir Ali Hajizadeh, dismissed Trump’s rhetoric as hollow threats. “He does not have such courage. A powerful Iran does not submit to coercion,” he declared.

While officials rallied in support of the Islamic Republic, public frustration was evident in the streets. Protests erupted in Tehran and other cities on February 9 night, coinciding with state-organised fireworks displays. Demonstrators chanted slogans such as “Death to the dictator” and expressed anger towards Supreme Leader Khamenei.

The unrest comes amid a deepening economic crisis, with Iran facing mounting international pressure and growing domestic discontent. The latest protests highlight divisions within the country as its leaders adopt an increasingly defiant stance against the West.

By Aghakazim Guliyev