Iran’s President Rejects Negotiations with Trump, Tells Him: “Do Whatever You Want”
In a defiant statement on Tuesday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared that Iran would not engage in negotiations with the United States under threats. He told President Donald Trump to “do whatever the hell you want,” according to Iranian state media.
Pezeshkian emphasized that it was unacceptable for the U.S. to issue orders and make threats, and made it clear that he would not participate in talks while under such pressure. “I won’t even negotiate with you. Do whatever the hell you want,” he was quoted as saying by state media.
However, it’s important to note that Pezeshkian does not hold the ultimate authority over Iran’s foreign policy, as Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has the final say on all major state matters. Earlier this month, Pezeshkian had expressed his personal willingness to support negotiations with the U.S., but acknowledged that talks would not take place as long as Khamenei opposed them.
Despite this, President Trump reiterated his stance on Friday, revealing that he had written to Khamenei, urging him to enter new nuclear talks. Trump also warned of potential military action if Tehran refused to negotiate.
The very next day, Khamenei rejected Trump’s calls, accusing the U.S. of using bullying tactics. Without directly naming Trump, Khamenei stated that the U.S. president’s insistence on negotiations was not aimed at resolving issues but at imposing American demands on Iran.
Khamenei described the situation as one where “bully governments” were attempting to force negotiations. He further asserted that the aim of such talks was not to address problems but to assert control over Iran.
Khamenei also accused the U.S. of using negotiations as a pretext to introduce new demands that extended beyond Iran’s nuclear program, including its military capabilities and regional influence. He made it clear that Iran would not accept such demands.
Tehran has long maintained that it will not engage in talks under “maximum pressure.” This policy, reintroduced by Trump after his return to the White House in January, saw the re-imposition of extensive sanctions on Iran. These sanctions followed Trump’s decision to abandon the 2015 nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which had provided sanctions relief in exchange for Iran curbing its nuclear activities.
The escalating tensions between Iran and the U.S. continue to underscore the deep divisions and the complexities of negotiations that may shape the future of the region.
