Iran on Thursday said meaningful negotiations cannot take place under pressure or coercion, responding sharply to remarks by US President Donald Trump regarding possible military action and conditions tied to a ceasefire.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said diplomacy must be conducted in “good faith” and not through threats or intimidation.
In a post on X, Baqaei referred to a 2011 ruling by the International Court of Justice, saying negotiations require “a genuine attempt to engage in discussions with a view to resolving the dispute.”
He further argued that talks should not become a form of “dictation, deception, extortion or coercion.”
The comments came after Trump said Washington’s “Operation Epic Fury” and the blockade associated with the Strait of Hormuz would come to an end if Iran “plays ball.”
Trump also warned that military strikes could resume if Tehran failed to agree to the proposed ceasefire conditions.
The exchange marks the latest escalation in rhetoric between the two countries amid continuing tensions in the region.
