Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has rejected negotiations with the U.S. under threats, telling President Donald Trump to “do whatever the hell you want,” according to Iranian state media.
He also criticized U.S. foreign policy, referencing the recent Oval Office clash between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. “You should be ashamed of yourself after what you did to Zelensky recently,” Pezeshkian said in a speech late Tuesday.
Newsweek has reached out to the White House for comment via email.
Why It Matters
Tensions between Iran and the U.S. remain high, with Washington seeking to pressure Tehran into a new nuclear agreement. Trump has reinstated his administration’s “maximum pressure” strategy, which aims to cripple Iran economically, while also threatening Iran with military action.
Tehran has long said that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. However, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has raised concerns over Iran’s increased enrichment activities, warning that uranium purity levels are approaching the threshold for weapons capability.
Iran Rejects U.S. Pressure
Pezeshkian made clear that Tehran would not accept demands dictated by Washington. “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,” he was quoted as saying by state media. However, he also added that, “if negotiations are conducted with dignity and based on mutual respect and shared interests, we will sit down and talk.”
The Iranian president’s remarks come just days after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has the final say on all state matters, said that Tehran will not be “bullied” into negotiations.
Trump’s Letter
On Friday, Trump announced that he sent a letter to Khamenei proposing nuclear negotiations. “I said I hope you’re going to negotiate, because it’s going to be a lot better for Iran.” Trump said in an interview with Fox News.
So far, Iran has denied receiving the letter, with Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stating on Monday, “We did not receive a letter.”
What People Are Saying
U.S. President Donald Trump warned: “If we have to go to the military option, it will be very, very bad for them.”
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said: “It is unacceptable for us that they give orders and make threats. I won’t even negotiate with you. Do whatever the hell you want. If negotiations are conducted with dignity and based on mutual respect and shared interests, we will sit down and talk.”
Afshin Molavi, Senior Fellow Foreign Policy Institute told Newsweek: “Iran is much further along in its highly enriched uranium capabilities and stockpile than it was in 2015 when the deal was first struck, and in 2018 when President Trump withdrew the U.S from it. In effect, Iran is now a nuclear threshold state.”
What Happens Next
As Iran continues its nuclear advances and U.S. sanctions remain in place, diplomatic prospects appear limited. The standoff between the two nations is likely to persist unless one side shifts its approach to negotiations.
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