Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has issued a warning to Western powers, declaring that if the snapback of the UN sanctions against Iran occurs, any further dialogue will become meaningless. The message, delivered during a series of high-stakes diplomatic meetings on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, came as he simultaneously offered a path forward for negotiations, provided they are based on “equality and fairness.”
In a meeting with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, President Pezeshkian laid the blame for the current nuclear crisis squarely on the West. “If snapback happens, dialogue will no longer have any meaning,” he stated. “Western countries must demonstrate their commitment to their obligations for any understanding to have value. The current situation has arisen because of the Western side’s failure to adhere to its commitments.”
Despite this firm stance, Pezeshkian signaled that Iran remains open to diplomacy. Following a “frank and detailed” discussion with French President Emmanuel Macron, the Iranian leader confirmed that a potential resolution was on the table.
“A clear solution that addresses Europe’s concerns while securing Iran’s interests was articulated,” Pezeshkian wrote in a social media post after the meeting. “A definitive solution is within reach if there is a commitment to fairness and mutual interests.” During the meeting, he also reiterated Iran’s official position, emphasizing that “Iran is by no means seeking to build a nuclear bomb and is ready to discuss its nuclear issue with European parties within an acceptable framework.”
Elaborating on Iran’s stance regarding the talks, Pezeshkian told a group of anti-war activists, “We are not turning our backs on dialogue, but dialogue becomes meaningful only when it avoids coercion and is conducted from a position of equality.” He added, “Iran desires peace and stability, but will never submit to force.”
Addressing the looming threat of sanctions, the President adopted a defiant tone, warning that Iran would not be cornered. “While the return of any sanctions is unwelcome, it is not the end of the road, and we are not going to surrender to it,” he asserted.
Pezeshkian outlined Iran’s strategy to weather any renewed economic pressure, pointing to its deepening alliances with non-Western powers. “We will find a way out of any situation, especially now that Iran, in addition to extensive bilateral relations with its neighbors, has significant regional and global capacity, such as membership in organizations like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), BRICS, and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).”
This strategy of pivoting Eastward represents a clear plan to build a sanctions-resilient economy, underscoring Iran’s message that it has strategic alternatives if diplomacy with the West fails.
