Iranian President Demands US Lift Threats and Sanctions Before Negotiations

Tehran, Oct 20 (KUNA) – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday evening called on the United States to lift threats and sanctions before any negotiations. The Iranian presidency said on its website that Pezeshkian emphasized, during his meeting with Pakistani Army Chief General Asim Munir, that “America must first demonstrate that it is lifting threats and sanctions to create conditions for dialogue.” He added, “It is impossible to tighten sanctions and pressure day after day, close off avenues for our country, and then claim readiness for dialogue and negotiations.” He further stated, “They will certainly not achieve their goals through war; it will bring only destruction and devastation, not only to Iran but to the entire region, which we do not want to happen.” He viewed that “war is not in our interest, nor in the interest of the region or the world, nor even in the interest of the United States.”

For his part, General Munir outlined the diplomatic efforts undertaken to de-escalate tensions, while expressing concern over the possibility of war resuming. He stressed the importance of resolving issues through diplomatic means and Pakistan’s readiness to assist in their resolution. He expressed regret over the non-implementation of the (Islamabad) memorandum of understanding, stating, “Negotiations never mean weakness, surrender, or capitulation; rather, they are an opportunity to resolve issues through a path other than war, conflict, and insecurity.”

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and U.S. President Donald Trump had previously signed electronically on June 18 a memorandum of understanding (Islamabad) to end the war on all fronts, open the Strait of Hormuz, and lift the naval blockade against Iran. (End) M.O. / R.J.