Iran Deputy FM: US strategy of maximum pressure will encounter ‘maximum resistance’ and is destined to fail once more

Majid Takht Ravanchi, serving as the deputy for political affairs under Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, conveyed these comments to The Financial Times.

During his first term as president, Donald Trump adopted a controversial strategy by unilaterally withdrawing from a landmark nuclear agreement between Iran and several world powers. This decision, made without the backing of international consensus, reinstated and further intensified the economic sanctions that had been previously lifted under the deal.

Takht Ravanchi has asserted that should former President Trump resort to a similar tactic, characterized by “maximum pressure,” it will be countered with “maximum resistance.”

In response to what it perceives as the United States and other nations’ failure to uphold commitments and violations of the nuclear agreement, the Islamic Republic has significantly increased its nuclear energy activities. Additionally, it has strengthened its trade relationships with both international and regional partners.

Efforts by Western nations to compel Iran to re-enter negotiations proved unsuccessful, as Tehran resisted attempts to engage under pressure. Meanwhile, the Western parties themselves were found to be in violation of the existing agreement.

Takht Ravanchi announced that efforts will persist in circumventing sanctions, diversifying trade partnerships, and fortifying regional alliances in order to sustain stability.

A senior diplomat indicated that reinstating the American policy is unlikely to result in substantial changes, particularly within the oil sector.

Should the Trump administration choose to reinstate its maximum pressure strategy in the oil market, it is likely to encounter significant challenges. In the current global landscape, no single nation possesses the capability to unilaterally impose its will on the international community.

“Path Remains Open for Negotiations,” Officials State

The official expressed support for negotiations, citing past agreements as evidence of their commitment. However, they emphasized that it was former President Trump and his administration who had previously undermined the negotiation process and demonstrated an unwillingness to engage in talks.

Takht Ravanchi has stated that persisting with the same strategy for another four years, with the expectation of failure, would be an illogical course of action.

The official reaffirmed Iran’s willingness to engage in negotiations, noting that the existing nuclear deal could serve as a framework for potential future agreements.

A spokesperson stated that they remain prepared to honor their obligations if the other parties recommit to their respective responsibilities.

He noted, however, that it is “premature” to speculate on the policy directions the forthcoming U.S. administration may adopt regarding Iran.

Takht Ravanchi stated that, regarding negotiations, it is essential to monitor U.S. policy closely in order to determine an appropriate response.

He further addressed the United States’ 2020 operation under the former Trump administration that resulted in the assassination of Iran’s senior anti-terror official, General Qassem Soleimani. He noted that Iran’s judiciary has launched legal proceedings related to this incident and emphasized that the Islamic Republic will persist in this pursuit in accordance with its established principles.

In a recent statement, the senior diplomat addressed last month’s incursion by Israel into Iranian territory, emphasizing that Iran is not pursuing war, conflict, or heightened tensions. Despite this stance, the diplomat asserted that Iran remains ready to respond to any war that may be forced upon it.

Takht Ravanchi has reiterated Iran’s unwavering commitment to backing the regional Axis of Resistance, emphasizing that this policy remains steadfast and unchanged for the Islamic Republic.

He subsequently dismissed reports suggesting that a meeting had occurred between Iran’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, and Trump ally Elon Musk.

“There was no meeting of this nature. If such a meeting had taken place, we would have openly disclosed it.”