In a bold televised speech, Iran’s newly elected President Masoud Pezeshkian asserted that Tehran will stand firm against mounting global pressure to capitulate in nuclear talks with America. ‘They are queuing up to make us bow our heads,’ he said on state TV, ‘but we refuse to yield to their manufactured crises.’
The comments arrive amid heightened US military posturing. President Trump, escalating rhetoric, has hinted at ‘limited strikes’ while beefing up naval presence in the Middle East to coerce Iran into halting its nuclear advancements. This follows Geneva discussions earlier this week, where progress was hinted at with a draft deal expected soon.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi revealed that both parties committed to submitting a framework for agreement. Speaking to American outlets, he anticipated delivery to US envoy Steve Witkoff within days. Notably, Araghchi denied US insistence on ending enrichment, clashing with statements from Washington officials.
Trump’s timeline has tightened the screws: a deal within 15 days or face consequences. His Friday response to queries on strikes – ‘I’m thinking about it’ – has alarmed global observers. Reinforcing this, the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford sailed into the Mediterranean, joining the USS Abraham Lincoln already in the Gulf since January.
Pezeshkian’s unyielding tone signals no retreat from Iran’s nuclear pursuits, rooted in national pride and sovereignty. With deadlines looming and fleets positioned, the fragile talks risk unraveling into conflict. Analysts warn that miscalculations could ignite a broader regional firestorm, underscoring the urgency for genuine dialogue over threats.