Tehran dismisses US pressure tactics says surrender not an option as Geneva talks loom
Tehran dismisses US pressure tactics, says 'surrender' not an option as Geneva talks loom
TEHRAN – As Iran and the United States prepare for the third round of indirect nuclear talks in Geneva this week, Tehran is issuing a clear directive that any agreement must guarantee the nation’s established rights, and that pressure tactics will fail.
At a press conference Monday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei confirmed the Islamic Republic’s firm stance, stating diplomacy will not lead to submission. His remarks precede crucial negotiations that have been plagued by heightened military rhetoric from Washington.
“Our duty is to ensure the rights and interests of the Iranian nation,” Baghaei told reporters. “We can only accept an agreement that secures Iran’s rights and national interests on both the nuclear issue and sanctions relief.”
Baghaei’s remarks were a direct response to recent statements by U.S. officials, including President Donald Trump and his envoy Steve Witkoff, who have suggested that Iran should capitulate under the weight of economic sanctions and military threats. Witkoff told Fox News over the weekend that Trump is “curious” as to why Iran has not yet surrendered, particularly after the president warned of possible military strikes.
Baghaei dismissed the language as culturally and historically inaccurate.
“‘Surrender’ has no place in Iranian culture and literature,” he stated. He cited 47 years of Iranian history as evidence the nation does not yield to external pressure. “The Iranian people demand dignity, independence, and respect for national sovereignty.”
The spokesperson rejected Witkoff’s suggestion Iran simply accept a U.S. proposal, calling it part of a pattern of contradictory U.S. claims. “Any negotiation starting with imposed burdens and preconceived judgments will not conclude,” Baghaei warned.
On the military front, Baghaei was unequivocal regarding aggression. The U.S. has recently increased its military presence in the region, including two carrier strike groups, framed by Washington as leverage. Baghaei made clear that even a “limited” strike crosses a red line.
“These two issues are fundamentally unrelated. There are no limits on what constitutes an ‘aggressive act’; any attack, regardless of scale, is aggression and will carry consequences,” he said.
He also countered remarks by IAEA head Rafael Grossi, who suggested inspections alone could block a deal. Baghaei affirmed Iran has fully cooperated with the IAEA at its peaceful nuclear facilities throughout 2025.
On a separate but related matter, Baghaei announced a significant policy shift regarding European forces in the Persian Gulf. This action responds to the European Union’s designation of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) as a “terrorist” entity.
“Our action was taken in response to that unlawful move. Henceforth, the presence of law enforcement forces from EU member states in the Persian Gulf region will be viewed differently, as they will be considered terrorist forces, carrying consequences,” he stated.
source: tehrantimes.com