Iran: ‘Pressure won’t work,’ president signals openness to talks

Masoud Pezeshkian, Iran’s president, said the United States cannot reach its objectives through economic pressure, adding that Tehran prefers dialogue and negotiations to resolve disputes—but will not yield to coercion. Speaking on Wednesday, Pezeshkian stressed that Iran remains committed to diplomacy as a path forward. However, he made clear that the country would stand firm against what it sees as Washington’s use of sanctions as a tool of leverage. “The US cannot achieve its goals through economic pressure,” Pezeshkian said, according to state media. He added that Tehran favors resolving issues through talks, yet will not back down under external economic threats. The remarks come amid ongoing tensions between the two nations over Iran’s nuclear program and regional activities. Washington has maintained heavy sanctions on Tehran, while Iran has repeatedly called for a lifting of those measures as a precondition for meaningful negotiations. Pezeshkian’s statement appears to balance two messages: a willingness to engage, and a refusal to be intimidated. Analysts read this as an attempt to keep diplomatic channels open while signaling domestic strength. No immediate response from the US side was reported.