Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared on Monday that Iran can endure the collapse of nuclear negotiations with the United States, asserting the country will find a way forward even if sanctions persist. His remarks came just after U.S. President Donald Trump described recent discussions with Tehran as “very good.”
“It’s not as if we’ll starve if they refuse to negotiate or impose more sanctions,” Pezeshkian said. “We will find a way to survive.”
The current round of high-stakes nuclear negotiations, which began in April, seeks to resolve a longstanding dispute over Iran’s nuclear program. The talks are the most significant since the U.S. withdrew from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which offered sanctions relief in return for strict limits on Iran’s nuclear activities.
President Trump has issued repeated warnings, threatening tougher sanctions and even military action if a new agreement isn’t reached. Still, his latest remarks hint at a more conciliatory approach, possibly aimed at avoiding prolonged confrontation.
Iran maintains that its nuclear program is solely for civilian purposes and continues to demand relief from sanctions that have crippled its oil-dependent economy.
Last week’s fifth round of talks in Rome showed limited progress, but major differences remain—particularly over uranium enrichment. Reports that Iran might consider a three-year freeze on enrichment were quickly dismissed by Iranian officials.
“Iran will never accept that,” said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei. “If there is goodwill from the American side, we are also optimistic. But if the talks are aimed at undermining Iran’s rights, they will go nowhere.”
Since returning to office, Trump has reinstated his “maximum pressure” campaign, tightening sanctions and maintaining military threats. However, his recent tone suggests a possible shift, as both nations weigh the high stakes of continued deadlock.
