Tehran (TDI)- U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to reimpose the “maximum pressure” policy on Iran has been sharply criticized by the Iranian leadership, which views it as an ineffectual and failing tactic that is certain to fail once again.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi denounced the latest campaign in a statement to reporters on Wednesday, pointing out that previous efforts had already failed.
“The maximum pressure policy has already failed once, and repeating it will only lead to another failure,” Araghchi stated while speaking outside of a cabinet meeting.
He added that such a notion is baseless if the objective of U.S. policy is to stop Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. Araghchi emphasized that Tehran has always been open to its position on nuclear weapons and reaffirmed Iran’s adherence to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
Also read: US Targets Iran’s Nuclear Ambitions
Furthermore, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, has issued a fatwa that explicitly forbids the possession and utilization of nuclear weapons. He stated, “Iran is a committed member of the NPT, and our position is clear.” “This should demonstrate unequivocally that Tehran is not looking for them.”
Iran never had and never will have a nuclear weapons program: Nuclear chiefhttps://t.co/zP6HyAsx1w pic.twitter.com/fwloVNBvAF
— IRNA News Agency (@IrnaEnglish) February 5, 2025
President Trump signed an executive order on Tuesday night to restore his administration’s “maximum pressure” campaign, shortly before he met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He admitted that he felt “torn” about the choice, but he said he saw it as essential despite the difficult repercussions.
Additionally, Trump stated to reporters in the Oval Office, “I’m torn about this decision,” but he also said, “Everyone expects me to sign it.” That’s what I’ll do. It is really difficult for Iran. “We will see if we can negotiate or figure out a deal with Iran,” he added, implying that the United States is still open to talks.
In addition to this, Fatemeh Mohajerani, the spokeswoman for the Iranian government, addressed Trump’s comments by reiterating that the values of interest, intellect, and dignity continue to guide Iran’s foreign policy.
“Several fundamental values have always served as the foundation for our nation’s foreign policy,” Mohajerani stated. “We adhere to three unwavering principles: intellect and strategic foresight, the honor and worth of the nation and its citizens, and, of course, pragmatism.”
She also underlined that these values continue to guide Iran’s diplomatic strategy, including its relations with foreign nations. Although she did not specifically mention the US, her comments emphasized Tehran’s unwavering opposition to external pressure and unilateral measures.
