Iran has made it clear that it will only hold nuclear talks with the United States if both sides negotiate on equal terms. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stressed that discussions cannot happen while the U.S. continues its “maximum pressure” policy.

Last week, U.S. President Donald Trump sent a letter to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, proposing nuclear negotiations. However, he also warned that Iran could either accept a deal or face military action.

Araqchi responded by saying that Iran would not negotiate from a weak position. He explained that if the U.S. keeps imposing pressure, talks would be meaningless. Only when Washington realizes that its pressure tactics are ineffective can proper discussions begin.

Khamenei also rejected talks with Trump’s administration, stating that negotiations under pressure would only worsen Iran’s situation. He believes that sitting at the table with the U.S. now would lead to more sanctions and increased difficulties for Iran.

In 2018, during his first presidency, Trump withdrew the U.S. from the 2015 nuclear agreement between Iran and world powers. He then reimposed tough sanctions, which severely impacted Iran’s economy. In response, Iran began violating some parts of the agreement a year later.

Despite leaving the door open for a new deal, Trump continues his “maximum pressure” strategy to isolate Iran and limit its oil exports. However, Iranian leaders insist they will not be forced into negotiations.

It remains unclear whether the two countries will find common ground for talks, but for now, Iran refuses to engage unless treated as an equal partner.