Iran's president rejects US talks amid renewed pressure

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has firmly ruled out negotiations with the United States under pressure, telling former U.S. President Donald Trump to "do whatever the hell you want."

"It is unacceptable for us that they (the U.S.) give orders and make threats. I won’t even negotiate with you. Do whatever the hell you want," Pezeshkian said, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

His remarks come amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran, as Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei reaffirmed Iran's stance against coercion, stating on Saturday that the country would not be forced into negotiations. Khamenei's comments followed reports that Trump had sent a letter urging Iran to engage in discussions on a new nuclear deal.

Despite expressing willingness for a new agreement, Trump has reinstated the "maximum pressure" campaign from his first term, aiming to economically isolate Iran and reduce its oil exports to near zero.

In an interview with Fox Business last week, Trump outlined his approach, saying, "There are two ways Iran can be handled: militarily, or you make a deal" to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. However, Iran has consistently denied seeking nuclear arms, while the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has warned that Tehran is rapidly enriching uranium to 60% purity—just short of the 90% required for weapons-grade material.

Iran's nuclear advancements have accelerated since 2019, a year after Trump withdrew from the 2015 nuclear accord with six world powers and reinstated crippling economic sanctions. The collapse of the agreement has further strained relations, raising concerns over potential regional escalation.

By Vugar Khalilov