Tehran – Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian delivered a defiant message on Saturday, vowing that his nation will not bow to international pressures amid ongoing nuclear negotiations with the United States. Speaking in a live address broadcast on state television, Pezeshkian declared, ‘The world’s powers are lining up to force us to our knees… but no matter what troubles they create for us, we will not bend.’
This strong stance comes as tensions escalate in the Middle East. US President Donald Trump has warned of potential ‘limited strikes’ against Iran if it fails to agree to a deal curbing its nuclear program. Trump has ordered a massive naval buildup in the region, deploying aircraft carriers and escort ships to signal resolve.
The backdrop to Pezeshkian’s remarks includes recent talks in Geneva, where both sides reportedly agreed to draft a potential agreement. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told US media that a proposal would be ready in the next few days and handed over to American negotiator Steve Witkoff. However, Araghchi contradicted US claims by stating that Washington did not demand Iran dismantle its uranium enrichment activities.
Trump initially set a 10-day deadline for a deal, later extending it to 15 days, cautioning that failure would lead to ‘bad things.’ On Friday, when pressed on limited military action, Trump admitted he was considering it, saying, ‘I can only say this much—I’m thinking about it.’
Military movements underscore the high stakes. The USS Gerald R. Ford was spotted entering the Mediterranean via the Strait of Gibraltar on Friday, following Trump’s orders. Earlier in January, the USS Abraham Lincoln and accompanying warships were stationed in the Gulf.
Pezeshkian’s address reinforces Iran’s long-standing position of resistance against perceived bullying. As negotiations teeter on the edge, the world watches whether diplomacy or confrontation will prevail in this critical standoff.