‘Talks with US meaningless’ – Iran President
Iranian President, Masoud Pezeshkian has described negotiations with the United States as “meaningless”, accusing Washington of using diplomatic talks as a means of preparing for further attacks against Iran.
Pezeshkian made the comments on Monday as efforts to reach a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing Middle East conflict remained stalled, according to Iran’s state news agency, IRNA.
“So far, they have attacked us three times after talks, and this shows that they are not seeking dialogue; rather, their goal is to overthrow the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Pezeshkian was quoted as saying.
“With an enemy that resorts every day to assassination, sanctions, pressure and threats, and that breaks its commitments, negotiations are meaningless.”
The conflict began in late February after the United States and Israel launched surprise attacks on Iran while Washington and Tehran were holding talks over Iran’s nuclear programme.
The two sides reached a memorandum of understanding in June that set out a framework for a permanent settlement, but subsequent negotiations stalled after Iranian attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz triggered renewed US military operations.
Indirect discussions held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly also failed to yield a breakthrough, leaving diplomatic efforts deadlocked.
Washington has, in recent weeks, shifted its focus towards economic pressure while reducing military operations, with the United States not carrying out strikes against Iran since September 1.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also ruled out a military solution on Sunday, warning that Tehran would strengthen its defences if attacks resumed.
“There is no military solution, nor any solution based on new sanctions,” Araghchi said.
“Only negotiations based on justice and fairness” could bring the conflict to an end, he added.
The United States and Israel have continued to argue that military action is necessary to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. Tehran, however, has repeatedly denied pursuing a nuclear weapons programme.
The Strait of Hormuz has become a major focus of the conflict because of its importance to global shipping and energy markets.
Iran has sought to restrict maritime traffic through the strategic waterway since the conflict began, targeting vessels attempting to pass without its authorisation.
The United States has responded by imposing a counterblockade on Iranian ports and attacking vessels it accuses of breaching the restrictions.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency reported that a tanker was struck while attempting to pass through the waterway on Sunday, while another vessel turned back on Monday after Iranian forces threatened to attack it.