Iran to not engage in any negotiations under maximum pressure
“What matters is not beautiful words and interviews, but what has been signed,” the top diplomat stressed in an interview with Iran”s al-Alam television network, referring to a memorandum signed by US President Donald Trump earlier in February.
The document restored Washington’s “maximum pressure” policy towards the Islamic Republic that was initiated during Trump’s first tenure.
Under the approach, the US left a multi-party and United Nations-endorsed nuclear agreement between Iran and others. It then restored the sanctions that the deal had lifted, and mounted even more illegal economic restrictions against the Islamic Republic.
“The instructions given to various US ministries to exert ‘maximum pressure’ on the Islamic Republic of Iran are crystal clear. This is what has been documented, signed, and will be the benchmark for their (the Americans’) actions,” the Iranian official noted.
Araghchi pointed out that Iran had never bowed to threats or responded to pressure with concessions, according to PressTV.
“The ‘maximum pressure’ has never worked when it comes to Iran… The resolutions and sanctions against Iran have not been effective,” the foreign minister asserted.
Iran has been responding to the US’s pressure tactics by further diversifying its economic and trade partnerships, finding more ways to bypass the sanctions, reinvigorating domestic production, and further reinforcing its cooperation with its key allies, including Russia and China.
Araghchi criticized the US for its merely verbalizing empty rhetoric, apparently referring to Washington’s alleging an interest in negotiating with Tehran or its threats of taking military action against the Islamic Republic.
He warned that Tehran would not be fooled by mere words, saying, “So far, we have not seen anything except some hollow threats of military attacks, which even they, themselves, know have no basis. We have not seen anything else except the signed document, which clearly outlines their policy.”
The foreign minister highlighted Iran”s resilience and determination to defend its dignity and sovereignty. “The Iranian nation has always defended its honor and dignity with determination.”
The official, however, said if Washington chose to rather address the Iranian nation with “respect and dignity, naturally, we will respond in kind.”
“Iran will not engage in any negotiations under maximum pressure and threats,” he repeated, adding, “We will adjust ourselves according to their policy.”
Separately, Araghchi pointed to an upcoming visit by Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to Tehran, saying the trip would take place as part of the political exchanges between the countries that are underway.
Asked if the Qatari head of state would be bearing any messages for Iran from the United States or any other foreign party, the official said the Islamic Republic was not aware of Al Thani’s carrying any such messages from a third party.
Source:
روسیه یک شهروند آمریکایی را آزاد کرد
به گزارش خبرگزاری مهر به نقل از الجزیره، روزنامه آمریکایی نیویورک تایمز اعلام کرد که مسکو قبل از آغاز مذاکرات پیش رو بین مسئولان آمریکایی و روس در عربستان سعودی، یک شهروند آمریکایی را آزاد کرد.
در همین رابطه روزنامه آمریکایی واشنگتن پست نیز به نقل از یک منبع آکادمیک روسیه که به نام وی اشاره‌ای نشده، اعلام کرد که احتمالاً اولویت‌های کرملین در مذاکره با دولت ترامپ شامل رفع برخی تحریم‌ها از روسیه باشد که محدودیت‌هایی را در برخی زمینه‌های همکاری در عرصه انرژی ایجاد کرده است.
این منبع روس تصریح کرد که پوتین احتمالاً به این ترتیب آمادگی خود را برای عدم الحاق اراضی بیشتر از اوکراین به خاک روسیه اعلام کند.
دیروز دیمیتری پسکوف، سخنگوی کاخ کرملین اعلام کرد که سرگئی لاوروف، وزیر خارجه روسیه و یوری یوشاکف، مشاور سیاست خارجی کرملین به دستور ولادیمیر پوتین، رئیس جمهور روسیه برای ملاقات با مقامات آمریکایی و مذاکره درباره پایان دادن به جنگ اوکراین و ازسرگیری روابط با واشنگتن، راهی عربستان شده‌اند.
پسکوف دراین‌باره گفت: قرار است آنها (لاوروف و یوشاکف) با همتایان آمریکایی‌شان دیدار کنند و عمده محور این ملاقات، احیای روابط به شدت پیچیده روسیه و آمریکاست.
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North Korea’s denuclearization no longer possible, MFA says
The North Korean Foreign Ministry castigated a recent Munich meeting between the top diplomats of the US, Japan, and South Korea, which had particularly reiterated the need to ensure the full denuclearization of North Korea. “The ‘denuclearization’ plan, which has become more impossible and unrealistic in the current state of affairs both in practical terms and with regard to the use of that term, looks like a situation where ignorant primitive people are begging modern people to go back to primitive society,” the statement reads, KCNA reported.
The North Korean Foreign Ministry stressed that “as long as the US and its satellites continue to make hostile threats, nuclear weapons will remain a guarantee of peace and security for North Korea, as well as a self-defense tool enshrined in the constitution.”
The ministry vowed that the country “will continue to pursue the head of state’s new policy of strengthening the nuclear-armed forces.”
“We will continue to use all available military and political means to consistently deter threats and blackmail by the US and its satellites, who violate our sovereignty and our country’s security interests,” the statement notes.
Source:
President: Kurdistan will not be used as launchpad for threats against neighbors
Nachirvan Barzani was speaking at a joint press conference with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takhte Ravanchi in Erbil.
Barzani described Iran as an important ally of Kurdistan, saying having strong ties with Iran is necessary for stability in the region.
Barzani said the Kurdistan-Iran ties are historical and based on the principles of good neighborliness and mutual interests.
Takhte Ravanchi also said Iran and Iraq’s Kurdistan region have many common values that connect them to each other.
Takhte Ravanchi pointed to his talks with Barzani about regional developments and ways of strengthening ties between Tehran and Erbil.
The Iranian deputy foreign minister described his talks with Barzani as cordial and good.
Earlier, the Iranian deputy foreign minister met with Iraqi officials in Baghdad including his Iraqi counterpart.
Source: Ifp Media Wire
روسیه گوگل را به خاطر سربازانش جریمه کرد
به گزارش خبرگزاری مهر به نقل از رویترز، دادگاهی در روسیه جریمه ای ۳.۸ میلیون روبلی(۴۱هزار و ۵۳۰ دلار) برای گوگل وضع کرده زیرا پلتفرم یوتیوب میزبان ویدئوهایی از جمله آموزش تسلیم شدن به سربازان روسی بوده است.
روسیه طی چند سال اخیر به پلتفرم های فناوری خارجی دستور داده تا محتوای غیرقانونی مانند آنچه که درباره جنگ اوکراین جعلی می خواند را حذف کنند و در همین راستا در صورت عدم پیروی شرکت ها جریمه هایی کوچک اما مداوم برای آنها وضع کرده است.
در این میان منتقدان، مقامات روسیه را متهم کرده اند به طور عمدی سرعت دانلود یوتیوب را مختل کرده اند تا اجازه ندهند کاربران روسی محتوای انتقادی دولت را تماشا کنند. از سوی دیگر روسیه با رد این اتهامات مدعی شده دلیل کندی سرعت یوتیوب عدم به روزرسانی تجهیزات توسط گوگل است.
همچنین ولادیمیر پوتین رئیس جمهور روسیه در ماه دسامبر ۲۰۲۴ گوگل را ابزار دولت آمریکا برای امتیاز گیری سیاسی خواند.
Source:
Israeli officer commits suicide amid psychological struggle
Israeli daily Ha’aretz revealed on Monday that the officer, who had been involved in intense October 7th Israeli military operations against Gaza’s residents, used to suffer from severe mental health issues after returning from the war.
The brutal military onslaught has claimed the lives of at least 48,200 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and, according to Israeli sources, at least 844 of the regime’s troops and 69 of its police forces.
Initially, reports from Israeli paper Yedioth Ahronoth had suggested that the officer”s death had been caused by friendly fire, an incident, during which military or security forces would mistakenly shoot their fellow troops or officers.
Ha’aretz, however, has clarified that the officer had been grappling with profound psychological issues, leading to suicidal thoughts and, ultimately, his death at his own hands.
Before his death, the officer, whose identity has not been disclosed, had even attempted to deceive Israeli forces by disguising himself as a Palestinian, shouting “Allahu Akbar (God is Great),” in an attempt at endangering his life — while being suspected to be harboring suicidal inclinations.
Observers say the incident highlights the severe emotional toll the war has had on Israeli military personnel, many of whom are struggling to cope with the psychological aftermath.
Source:
Iran supports stability, unified governance in Sudan:Ghalibaf
Ghalibaf made the remarks during a meeting with the Sudanese foreign minister, Ali Yusuf Ahmed Al-Sharif, in Tehran on Monday.
He reiterated Iran’s support for stability, unified governance, and territorial integrity in Sudan, expressing hope that these goals will be achieved shortly.
However, Ghalibaf warned that enemies will always hatch “new plots” to disrupt peace in Sudan, and said “necessary planning” should take place to counter their schemes.
“We should know, first and foremost, that the enemy of the Islamic nations and countries in the region is the Zionist regime,” he added.
Sudan has been embroiled in a deadly conflict over the past two years. Hundreds of thousands of people have been killed and millions displaced from their homes.
Ghalibaf said Iran was eager to enhance political ties with Sudan while also pursuing economic and trade relations.
He also said that the Iranian Parliament, specifically the Iran-Sudan Parliamentary Friendship Group, was ready to establish relations with the Sudanese Parliament once stability was restored.
Ahmed Al-Sharif said Sudan was grateful for Iran’s expression of support for the stability and unity in his country.
He added that Sudan was ready to establish effective parliamentary relations with Iran following the formation of the Sudanese Parliament.
Additionally, he expressed hope that Iran would contribute to the reconstruction of Sudan.
Iran and Sudan agreed to restore their diplomatic relations late in 2023 following a seven-year break.
Source:
عراقچی: فردا امیر قطر به تهران می‌آید
به گزارش خبرنگار مهر، سید عباس عراقچی در حاشیه هشتمین کنفرانس روابط خارجی، خلیج فارس در گستره تاریخ در جمع خبرنگاران، با اشاره به سفر امیر قطر به تهران، اظهار داشت: فردا امیر قطر به تهران می‌آید.
وزیرخارجه در مورد شرکت مقامات ایرانی در مراسم‌تشیع شهید نصرالله افزود: تصمیماتی در این ارتباط گرفته شده و مقامات سطح بالا از دستگاه‌های مختلف از دولت و مجلس، نهادهای مختلف و جناح‌های مختلف در این مراسم شرکت می‌کنند.
وی در مورد سفر امیر قطر به تهران و برخی شایعات رسانه‌ای در مورد این سفر نیز گفت: قطر یکی از کشورهای مهم و اثرگذار در حوزه خلیج فارس است. ارتباطات ما با این کشور قدیمی است و تعاملات بین دو کشور در سطح بالایی در جریان بوده است.
عراقچی در این باره ادامه داد: چندی پیش رئیس‌جمهور برای شرکت در نشستی به قطر سفر کرد و در آنجا با امیر قطر نیز دیدار دوجانبه‌ای داشتند.
وی گفت: بحث‌های مهم سیاسی و اقتصادی بین ایران و قطر وجود دارد لذا در این سفر نیز در مورد مسائل منطقه‌ای از جمله موضوع فلسطین و غزه، آخرین تحولات سوریه و یمن و … رایزنی و گفتگو خواهد شد.
وزیر خارجه افزود: در جریان این سفر در مورد مسائل اقتصادی و همکاری‌های مشترک دو کشور در این حوزه نیز رایزنی و گفتگو خواهد شد. امیر قطر شخصیت ارزشمندی است و این سفر در چارچوب تعاملات دو کشور انجام می‌شود.
وزیر امور خارجه در مورد انتظارات ایران از نشست سازمان همکاری اسلامی، تصریح کرد: اولین کاری که باید صورت گیرد، صدای واحد همه کشورها علیه جنایات رژیم صهیونیستی و نسل کشی که در غزه صورت گرفته و در مرحله بعدی علیه توطئه‌هایی است که علیه فلسطین شکل گرفت [که آواره کردن مردم غزه از سرزمین مادری خودشان و کوچ کردن اجباری به کشورهای دیگر است] باید باشد.
عراقچی ادامه داد: کشورهای اسلامی همیشه در این خصوص موضع داشتند و اساساً شکل‌گیری سازمان همکاری اسلامی به خاطر موضوع فلسطین است فلذا که فلسطین یک بحث محوری در سازمان همکاری اسلامی است.
وی خاطرنشان کرد: بعد از صحبت‌هایی که برای کوچ اجباری مردم فلسطین و انتقال به کشورهای دیگر انجام شد، من در تماسی که با وزرای خارجه کشورهای اسلامی داشتم از آنان خواستم که جلسه وزرای خارجه را داشته باشیم تا موضع واحد و نگرانی واحد آنان را به گوش جهانیان و علیه این توطئه‌هایی که شکل می‌گیرد، برسانیم.
Source: نفیسه عبدالهی
Iran ready to resume talks with E3: Araghchi
Araghchi and Switzerland’s Special Envoy for the Middle East and North Africa Wolfgang Amadeus Bruelhart held a meeting on the sidelines of the 8th Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) conference in Muscat on Monday.
Araghchi highlighted the long-standing and positive relations between the two countries, both bilaterally and multilaterally, and commended Switzerland’s efforts as the protector of American interests. He also hailed Switzerland’s constructive role in promoting peace and stability in the region.
The Iranian foreign minister welcomed the upcoming political consultations between the two countries in Tehran and emphasized the importance of continued dialogue and cooperation.
Araghchi also referred to three rounds of negotiations between Iran and three European countries, reiterating Iran’s readiness to continue the discussions.
He stressed that Iran does not tolerate the language of threats or pressure, asserting that the policy of maximum pressure will certainly fail.
For his part, the Swiss envoy provided an overview of Switzerland’s efforts to promote global peace and stability, acknowledging Iran’s significant and influential role in the region.
He also underscored the importance of ongoing bilateral negotiations on various regional and international issues. Bruelhart reiterated Switzerland’s willingness to continue discussions and consultations, including at the upcoming round of talks in Tehran.
The two diplomats also talked about several topics of mutual interest in regional and international affairs.
Source:
Plan to displace Palestinians is an old conspiracy
Donald Trump used the destruction caused by Zionist attacks on the Gaza Strip as a pretext to call for the complete evacuation of Gaza, proposing the forced migration of its residents to neighboring Arab countries such as Egypt and Jordan while advocating for US control over the 365-kilometer-long strip.
The US president claimed that the goal of this plan is to ensure the safety and well-being of Palestinians, away from violence and unrest, and Egypt and Jordan must accept this American proposal. However, Trump’s claim of seeking security and peace for Palestinians is contradicted by the fact that he has played a major role in the genocide of the Palestinian people, and the Zionist regime has been armed with the deadliest weapons by the US to carry out massacres in Gaza.
Trump’s statements have faced widespread rejection from various countries, particularly Egypt and Jordan, while Palestinians have condemned the proposal as a dangerous plan and an invitation to ethnic cleansing. Notably, redrawing the region’s map according to the American vision and annexing Gaza to occupied Zionist territories are among Trump’s underlying objectives.
The Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas, the United Kingdom, the United Nations, the King of Jordan, a former Saudi intelligence chief, China, the Palestinian Authority”s head Mahmoud Abbas, and the preacher of Al-Aqsa Mosque have all reacted to Trump’s proposal for the forced displacement of Gazans, rejecting it outright. These statements are seen as a dangerous move aimed at expanding the Zionist occupiers’ territory, to the detriment of Islamic nations and the forced displacement of Gaza’s residents.
Recently, a Hamas delegation led by Muhammed Ismail Darwish, head of the movement’s council, visited Iran and met with Iranian officials. During this visit, Sheikh Hussein Qassem, Hamas’ cultural advisor, elaborated on the forced displacement plan and the role of the Islamic Republic of Iran in supporting Palestine. Below is his text of the interview with Mehr News Agency:
Conspiracies in Palestine began with the British occupation in 1917 and have continued to this day. The project to displace Palestinians started after 1948 and continued in 1956, targeting the remaining Palestinians, he said.
“The Palestinian people are a resilient nation. The West Bank is under a more severe siege than Gaza, yet it continues to resist with whatever means it has.”
Qassem emphasized, “With the support of our brothers in the resistance axis—in Iran, Lebanon, Yemen, and Iraq—we will, God willing, eliminate the Zionist regime. The Islamic Revolution of Iran is a unique model for all liberation movements.”
Source:
Russia ready to help Iran resolve its nuke program issues
“Moscow attaches great importance to good relations with Iran and intends to develop them comprehensively, including providing assistance in solving the main problems, including the nuclear program,” he said in an interview with the IRNA news agency.
According to him, the start of US-Russian talks will not affect the further cooperation between Moscow and Tehran.
Source:
US, Russia meet for talks on Ukraine war
The two sides were expected to discuss ways to end the conflict in Ukraine and restore American-Russian relations, according to Reuters.
The conversation could pave the way for a summit between US President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.
Ukraine, which is not attending the talks, says no peace deal can be made on its behalf in Riyadh.
Russia said Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov would meet top US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in talks that would focus on ending the Ukraine war and restoring “the whole complex” of Russia-US ties.
Source:
EU leaders confirm ‘Ukraine deserves peace through strength’
“Today in Paris, we reaffirmed that Ukraine deserves peace through strength. Peace respectful of its independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, with strong security guarantees,” Ursula von der Leyen wrote on the X social media platform, TASS reported.
According to von der Leyen, “Europe carries its full share of the military assistance to Ukraine.” “At the same time, we need a surge in defense in Europe,” the European Commission chief added.
Eight European countries held an informal meeting on Ukraine in Paris at the initiative of French President Emmanuel Macron. The meeting also involved the heads of the European Council, the European Commission and NATO.
Source:
Iran backs unified governance in Sudan: Parliament speaker
Qalibaf made the remarks during a meeting with the Sudanese Foreign Minister, Ali Yusuf Ahmed Al-Sharif, in Tehran on Monday.
He reiterated Iran’s support for stability, unified governance, and territorial integrity in Sudan, expressing hope that these goals will be achieved in the near future.
However, Qalibaf warned that enemies will always hatch “new plots” to disrupt peace in Sudan, and said “necessary planning” should take place to counter their schemes.
“We should know, first and foremost, that the enemy of the Islamic nations and countries in the region is the Zionist regime,” he added.
Sudan has been embroiled in a deadly conflict over the past two years. Hundreds of thousands of people have been killed and millions displaced from their homes.
Qalibaf said Iran was eager to enhance political ties with Sudan while also pursuing economic and trade relations.
He also added that the Iranian Parliament, specifically the Iran-Sudan Parliamentary Friendship Group, was ready to establish relations with the Sudanese Parliament once stability is restored in the country.
Ahmed Al-Sharif said Sudan was grateful for Iran’s expression of support for the stability and unity in his country.
He added that Sudan was ready to establish effective parliamentary relations with Iran following the formation of the Sudanese Parliament.
Additionally, he expressed hope that Iran would contribute to the reconstruction of Sudan.
Iran and Sudan agreed to restore their diplomatic relations late in 2023 following a seven-year break.
Source: Ifp Media Wire
Zelensky says Ukraine ‘refuses to recognize’ Russia-US summit
Russia and the US have begun preparations for a meeting between presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump that is scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia. On Monday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov announced that Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Yury Ushakov, Putin’s top foreign policy aide, would travel to Riyadh to meet a US delegation and lay the groundwork for a presidential meeting.
Following the Kremlin’s announcement, US State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce announced in a statement that “Secretary of State Rubio, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff will meet with the Russian delegation in Riyadh Tuesday”.
“Ukraine will not take part [in the talks],” Zelensky told journalists, commenting on the development.
Kiev “knew nothing” about Moscow and Washington’s plans, he stated, adding that the Ukrainian government would treat any talks “about Ukraine without Ukraine” as “null and void” and would not recognize their results.
Kiev will not take part in the US-Russian negotiations in Riyadh and considers them meaningless, Zelensky stressed.
The Ukrainian leader also admitted that Russia and the US have a “bilateral negotiation track” and have every right to talk in this format.
Peskov earlier told journalists that talks between Trump and Putin would also be devoted to the restoration of bilateral relations.
Commenting on the developments, Lavrov stated Putin and Trump had agreed to leave behind “an absolutely abnormal period” in bilateral relations, during which Moscow and Washington had barely communicated.
Zelensky also plans to visit Saudi Arabia on Wednesday. He denied that his trip is in any way linked to the upcoming Trump-Putin talks or the meeting of US and Russian delegations, but admitted that he would discuss the issue with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Source: Ifp Media Wire
Heavy equipment has begun entering Gaza through Rafah
Feb 18, 2025
Mehr News Agency
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https://en.mehrnews.com/news/228520/
Feb 18, 2025, 1:19 PM
News ID 228520
Feb 18, 2025, 1:19 PM
Heavy equipment has begun entering Gaza through Rafah
TEHRAN, Feb. 18 (MNA) – Egyptian media reported that heavy equipment has begun crossing from Egypt into Gaza through the Rafah crossing.
News ID 228520
Al-Aqsa Storm Operation
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Iran at crossroads of negotiations due to US double standard
As Donald Trump returns to power, one of the most pressing questions in international relations is how his administration will approach Iran. During his first term, Trump’s policy toward Tehran was defined by his “maximum pressure” campaign, a strategy driven by Iran hawks like Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and National Security Advisor John Bolton. His decision to withdraw from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018 led to escalating tensions, economic sanctions, and near-military confrontations. Now, as he takes office for a second time, the question arises: will Trump continue down the same path, or is there a possibility of a new approach?
Our interviewee, Head of Research at the International Affairs Institute (IAI), a think tank based in Rome, Riccardo ALCARO argues that while Trump remains surrounded by hardliners, he is now more in control of his administration and appears genuinely interested in striking a deal with Iran. Unlike in his first term, when his advisors dictated much of his foreign policy, Trump may now have the ability to negotiate an agreement that even Congress and the Republican Party could support; an outcome that was never achieved with the JCPOA.
In this interview, we explore the potential direction of Trump’s Iran policy, the role of Europe in shaping negotiations, and the broader implications for regional stability.
Trump”s second term and Iran; Potential policy shift or continuation of the same approach
As the world closely watches the political landscape of the United States, one of the most pressing questions in international relations today is how Donald Trump’s return to power will shape global diplomacy. Analysts are particularly focused on his approach to Iran, which has been central to US foreign policy discussions for years. While many assume that Trump will continue his previous policies, a closer look reveals subtle but significant shifts.
During his first term, Trump pursued a “maximum pressure” policy on Iran, heavily influenced by figures like Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and National Security Advisor John Bolton. The strategy included stringent economic sanctions and a clear stance against the Iranian government. However, despite the hardline approach, Trump showed some willingness to negotiate, though on terms that Iran found unacceptable.
Now, in his second term, the situation has evolved. While his administration remains dominated by Iran hawks, such as National Security Advisor Michael Waltz and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump appears to be exercising greater control over his policies. His recent reimplementation of maximum pressure tactics suggests continuity, yet his rhetoric indicates a potential openness to negotiation. Unlike his first term, Trump has emphasized that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons is his top priority, leaving room for discussions on other contentious issues, such as Iran’s regional influence and ballistic missile program.
Some experts argue that, paradoxically, Iran may have a better chance of securing a long-term deal with Trump than with any other US administration. Though negotiations would be extremely challenging, an agreement backed by Trump and congressional Republicans could offer more stability than past diplomatic efforts.
Broader US foreign policy strategy
The issue of negotiations with Iran must also be viewed in the context of Washington’s broader foreign policy. While each administration brings its priorities, there is an overarching US strategy that transcends party lines. Historically, both Republican and Democratic administrations have sought to prevent Iran from expanding its nuclear program, albeit through different means. Trump”s withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018 was largely driven by his desire to dismantle Obama-era policies and his advisors’ traditional hardline stance on Iran. However, as his second term unfolds, he may find himself more focused on securing a legacy through a diplomatic breakthrough. Still, the unpredictability of Trump’s commitment to sustained negotiations raises concerns about the viability of any new agreement.
Europe’s role in future negotiations
From a European perspective, Iran”s skepticism toward the US is both understandable and challenging. European nations, particularly the E3 (Germany, France, and the UK), have struggled to maintain the JCPOA in the face of US extraterritorial sanctions. They have expressed frustration over Iran’s unwillingness to reactivate the JCPOA in 2022 and are alarmed by Iran’s detention of European nationals and its military ties with Russia, particularly its supply of drones used in the Ukraine conflict. Europe is likely to support a new deal with Trump but will also be prepared to increase pressure on Iran if negotiations fail. The possibility of activating the snapback mechanism—reimposing UN sanctions on Iran—remains on the table if Tehran does not agree to international nuclear oversight.
Potential consequences of Iran’s stance
Iran’s leaders have long regarded negotiations with Washington as futile, citing past agreements the US violated. This deep-rooted distrust, coupled with the US’s history of inconsistent policies, complicates any potential diplomatic engagement. From a European standpoint, Iran’s refusal to negotiate could result in increased economic pressure and heightened regional tensions. The risk of military confrontation, particularly from Israel or a US-Israeli coalition, would also rise. However, even if Iran opts for negotiations, success is far from guaranteed. Any potential deal would require Iran to make bold, proactive proposals, navigating a political landscape filled with spoilers from multiple sides—including factions within the US, Israel, and Iran itself.
A crossroads for Iran
Ultimately, Iran finds itself at a critical juncture. While it has legitimate reasons to distrust US intentions, it also faces the possibility of securing a more sustainable agreement under Trump’s leadership. Such a deal, if approved by Congress, could open the door to renewed economic engagement, even though fundamental tensions between the two nations would persist.
Regardless of the path Iran chooses, the stakes could not be higher. A hardline resistance strategy may lead to greater instability and economic hardship, while negotiations, though uncertain, could offer a rare opportunity for a more stable future. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Iran and the US can find common ground or whether their adversarial relationship will continue to escalate.
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Zelensky forms coalition of those offended by Trump
Vladimir Zelensky, who has stopped posting video addresses to the public for several days, is focused on more important matters, in his view, such as forming a “coalition of those offended” by US President Donald Trump globally, Russian Foreign Ministry special envoy on Kiev”s crimes, Rodion Miroshnik, said, TASS reported.
“Zelensky has decided that there’s no need to communicate with his own citizens right now. The people who are under the “reliable control of the territorial recruitment centers” no longer require any more pleas. Zelensky has already dismantled these people, used them as leverage, and permitted them to fight at 18. What more do they need? Zelensky’s priority now is assembling a “coalition of those offended by Trump.” Without this, his personal prospects become not only distant but also daunting. To achieve this, he’s hopping between countries, giving countless interviews, almost as if leaping from the frying pan into the fire. Where do addresses to the Ukrainian public fit in?” the diplomat added.
Since the start of Russia”s special military operation, Zelensky had been delivering nightly video addresses to the people, which he shared on his Telegram channel. However, it has been five days without a single address.
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No agreement reached on dates for Trump-Putin summit
Russia-US talks in Riyadh have just begun, it is too early to give assessment, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said in a statement on Tuesday.
According to Sputnik, the Kremlin”s spokesman said on the Russia-US talks that the global interest in the Russian-US talks in Riyadh is understandable, but since the talks have just begun, it”s too early to draw any conclusions.
He said that Russia is focused on a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine, unlike Europe and the previous US administration.
For Russia, the key thing is to achieve its goals regarding the situation in Ukraine, preferably by peaceful means.
“As of now, no agreement has been reached on possible dates for a Putin-Trump summit,” Peskov further highlighted.
Source: Kamal Iranidoost
SDF, SDC agreed to integrate forces in Syrian army
Withdrawal of non-Syrian fighters from SDF and northern and eastern regions of Syria, is one of the cases of the agreement reached between SDF and SDC which has been announced as a step to strengthen sovereignty and stability.
Moreover, leaders of the SDF and SDC invited Syria’s new ruler Abu Muhammad Al Jolani (Ahmad Sharaa) to travel to the north and east of the country.
Source: Morteza Ahmadi Al Hashem