Iran President Claims Loss of Trust in US, Cites Attacks and Sanctions
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated in an interview with Al Jazeera that Iran no longer trusts the United States, citing a history of military attacks and sanctions following previous negotiation rounds. Tehran is awaiting a response to its latest proposal aimed at ending regional conflicts and is actively engaging in information warfare against the US. Pezeshkian expressed that Iran's lack of trust stems from an inability to understand the basis for mutual understanding with the US. He asserted that Iran has not attacked any nation in 200 years and adheres to international law, explaining that attacks from neighboring countries are facilitated by those nations allowing their territory to be used for strikes against Iran. Pezeshkian added that Iran only retaliates when its rules are broken.
Earlier this week, Pezeshkian and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visited the US for a UN world leaders' meeting. During their visit, they presented a proposal to the Americans that they believe would halt hostilities and reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days. The Iranian plan includes Washington lifting the maritime blockade on Iranian ports, removing sanctions on Iranian oil sales, unfreezing approximately $12 billion in assets, and observing a regional ceasefire. Additionally, the proposal stipulates that Israel would be prohibited from striking 'terrorists' in Lebanon, and the US would refrain from striking Houthis. In return, Iran would reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's leadership also intends to negotiate its nuclear program, asserting its sovereign right to do so.
In what appears to be a response to Pezeshkian's interview, former US President Donald Trump posted in all caps on Truth Social, stating, "IRAN CANNOT HAVE NUCLEAR WEAPONS!". Senator Marco Rubio made a similar statement recently. Regarding Iran's promise to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, US negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner informed intermediaries that Iran does not control the strait and therefore cannot set conditions for its opening.