Iran Rejects U.S. ‘Maximum Pressure’ Strategy: A Recipe for Failure Once More
Iran has firmly rejected United States President Donald Trump’s decision to reinstate the “maximum pressure” campaign, emphasizing that this aggressive strategy against the Islamic Republic is set to fail once more. The primary keyword here is “maximum pressure,” which has significant implications in the ongoing geopolitical landscape.
During a cabinet session on Wednesday, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi addressed reporters, stating, “The maximum pressure [policy] is a failed experience, and trying it again will lead to another failure.” He highlighted several key points regarding Iran’s stance on nuclear weapons and the Non-Proliferation Treaty.
- Araghchi asserted that if the pressure campaign aims to stop Iran from pursuing nuclear weapons, it is unnecessary.
- He reiterated that Iran is a committed member of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
- Iran’s leadership, through a fatwa issued by Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, clearly opposes the possession and use of nuclear weapons.
On Tuesday evening, Trump signed a presidential memo to restore the “maximum pressure” policy, which he originally initiated in 2018 after the U.S. withdrew from the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement. In his remarks from the Oval Office, Trump expressed his mixed feelings about the decision.
“So, this is one that I’m torn about,” Trump stated. “Everybody wants me to sign it. I’ll do that. It’s very tough on Iran.” Despite his severe approach towards Iran, Trump indicated a willingness to negotiate, saying, “We will see whether or not we can arrange or work out a deal with Iran.”
In response to Trump’s comments, Iranian government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani emphasized that Tehran’s foreign policy is guided by three core principles:
- Dignity of the country and its people
- Wisdom and strategic foresight
- Expediency in international relations
Mohajerani clarified that all of Iran’s foreign relations, including interactions with other nations, are aligned with these principles, while notably omitting any specific mention of the United States.
