Iran rejects pressure diplomacy as Trump signals possible return to war

Middle East 19-05-2026 | 08:22

Iran rejects pressure diplomacy as Trump signals possible return to war

Pezeshkian says negotiations will not come at the cost of Tehran’s “legitimate rights."
Iran rejects pressure diplomacy as Trump signals possible return to war
Iranian President Massoud Bezhkian (X).
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Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian emphasized on Monday that his country enters any talks “with dignity and strength,” while safeguarding the rights of the Iranian people, stressing that “dialogue does not mean surrender or abandoning national principles.”

 

 

Pezeshkian said that Iran “will not retreat in any way from its legitimate rights” and will continue to defend its interests and sovereignty.

He pointed out that “the state will remain at the service of the people, defending the country’s interests with full strength and until the very last breath.”

Trump (AFP).
Trump (AFP).

Trump considers resuming war against Iran
Earlier today, a U.S. official told “Axios” that President Donald Trump still wants to reach an agreement to end the war, but is also considering resuming military operations due to Iran’s rejection of many of his demands and its failure to make meaningful concessions on its nuclear program.

 

The U.S. official said that if Iran does not change its position, Washington “will be forced to continue negotiations through bombs.”

 

Iran announced today that it had responded to a new U.S. proposal aimed at ending the war, saying that communication with Washington remains ongoing despite Iranian media reports describing the American demands as “excessive.”