Iran Demands Talks With US on ‘Equal Footing’

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian asked that if the United States is truly seeking negotiations, then why is there any need for threats in the process?

According to Iranian media, he emphasized that Tehran only seeks dialogue from a position of equality, not one conducted under the shadow of threats.

Pezeshkian said, “The Islamic Republic of Iran seeks negotiations from an equal footing — not a process where on one hand it faces threats and on the other hand is invited to negotiate. If you truly want talks, then why the threats?”

In his view, the US not only humiliates Iran, but the entire world — an approach that contradicts the very essence of dialogue.

Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s foreign minister, also responded to the US stance, saying that direct talks with a party that continually “threatens to use force — in violation of the UN Charter and with contradictory statements from its officials — are fundamentally meaningless.”

According to Araghchi, “Nonetheless, the Islamic Republic of Iran remains committed to the path of diplomacy and is ready to explore indirect negotiations.”

Araghchi also noted that Iran had previously taken voluntary measures under the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) to reassure the international community about the peaceful nature of its nuclear program — but it was the United States that unilaterally withdrew from the deal.

Given the Iranian government’s latest stance, it seems that the revival of the JCPOA — or any similar agreement — hinges on a change in Washington’s approach toward threats and sanctions.