‘No longer trust Washington’: Iran draws red line on peace talks with US

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has declared that his government "no longer trusts" negotiations with Washington following a series of US attacks and sanctions imposed on Tehran. Speaking to Al Jazeera, Pezeshkian said Qatar and Pakistan are currently serving as mediators, relaying Tehran's objections to Washington. The talks are premised on a memorandum of understanding previously signed between the two nations, requiring the Americans to clarify their stance on the matter.

Pezeshkian emphasized that Iran will persist in defying pressure from the US and Israel, contending that those who believed they could inflict sanctions on the Iranian populace had made a grave miscalculation. He accused the US and Israel of attempting to "preclude Iran from relying on itself," yet vowed that Tehran would prioritize its citizens' well-being instead.

Pezeshkian contended that the US and Israel had "dragged" other regional nations into conflict, reckoning that the Iranian regime would collapse within days. Conversely, he asserted that Iranians have "stood firm in the face of American and Israeli attacks and will continue to do so." His remarks come amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to reach a seven-day ceasefire, proposed by Iran, which would also pave the way for resuming nuclear talks with Washington.

If the conditions were met, the Strait of Hormuz could reopen and normal maritime passage restored within seven days, according to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The US has rejected the proposal, and Araghchi indicated that the six-day countdown would commence once the United States accedes to the plan. Pezeshkian posited that regional security could be achieved through mutual cooperation among countries, asserting that the region does not necessitate a "policeman."