US offer of talks with Iran, arm-twisting tactic

The US proposal for one-on-one talks with Iran over its nuclear energy program is “an arm-twisting diplomacy” as the US cannot ignore Tehran’s significant Middle East role, an analyst said.
Intifad Qanbar criticized US inconsistency in its approach towards Iran, where it expresses preparedness to hold direct talks with Iran but, on the other hand, imposes more unilateral economic sanctions on the Islamic Republic.

The analyst said President Barack Obama is willing to engage in direct negotiations with Iran. Nevertheless, Tehran is entitled to call for unconditional talks and a goodwill gesture from US statesmen.

“Iran is not willing to talk under pressure, which is very legitimate,” Qanbar pointed out.

At the 49th annual Munich Security Conference in Germany on February 2, US Vice President Biden said Washington was ready to hold direct talks with Iran over its nuclear energy program.

However, he noted that “there will be continued pressure and isolation,” insisting that if Iran abandons “the illicit nuclear program and your support for terrorism, there will be meaningful incentives.”

In a strong response, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei lashed out at the idea of any talks with the United States under pressure and threats.

“I am not a diplomat. I am a revolutionary and speak frankly, honestly, and firmly. An offer of talks makes sense only when the side [that makes the offer] shows its goodwill,” Ayatollah Khamenei said in a Thursday meeting with the officials and commanders of Iran Navy.

“You (the Americans) point the gun at Iran and say either negotiate or we pull the trigger! You should know that pressure and negotiations don’t go together, and that the [Iranian] nation will not be intimidated by such things,” the Leader added.