Iran will not bow to US pressure amid nuclear talks , says Pezeshkian

siasat.com · Feb 22, 2026 · Collected from GDELT

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Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian delivers a speech at a ceremony in Tehran. Tehran: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Saturday, February 22, that Tehran would not bow down to pressure from the United States, as tensions rise over ongoing negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme. Speaking at a ceremony honouring Iran’s Paralympic athletes, Pezeshkian said the country would remain firm despite political and economic challenges. He warned that attempts to force Iran into concessions through threats or intimidation would fail and called for unity to confront external pressure. US warnings heighten tensions The remarks came after US President Donald Trump signalled that military options remained under consideration if talks do not lead to an agreement. He has warned that Iran must reach a deal within a short timeframe or face serious consequences, raising concerns about possible escalation. Washington has also strengthened its military presence in the Middle East, deploying aircraft carriers, fighter jets and naval assets. Officials say the buildup is intended to increase pressure on Tehran while deterring further regional instability. Indirect talks in Oman and Geneva Iran and the United States resumed indirect negotiations earlier this month in Oman, followed by a second round of discussions in Geneva on Tuesday, February 17. Although both sides described the meetings as constructive, significant differences remain over key issues. Tehran maintains that its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes and within the framework of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Washington, however, is seeking stricter curbs on uranium enrichment and broader monitoring mechanisms. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Friday, February 20, that a diplomatic solution remains possible. He indicated that Iran was preparing a draft proposal to present to the United States in the coming days. Background Tensions between the two countries have remained high since June 2025, when the United States carried out airstrikes on key Iranian nuclear facilities, including Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan, in an escalation linked to the wider Iran-Israel conflict. The strikes also heightened security concerns across the Gulf, including in Qatar and other regional states hosting US military bases. Sakina Fatima Sakina Fatima, a digital journalist with Siasat.com, has a master's degree in business administration and is a graduate in mass communication and journalism. Sakina covers topics from the Middle East,… More »