Iranian President Pezeshkian Rejects Coercive Peace Talks

On October 9, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed a summit of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) in Turkmenistan, warning US President Donald Trump that successful peace negotiations cannot occur under threats and pressure. He stated that genuine dialogue must be founded on mutual respect and commitments, condemning negotiations conducted under military pressure as coercion.

Pezeshkian highlighted the potential far-reaching consequences of sanctions against Iran on regional trade, connectivity, energy supplies, and stability. Although he did not mention Trump directly, his comments came amid ongoing tensions between Washington and Tehran, which have seen a prolonged confrontation and failed negotiations regarding Iran's nuclear program.

The conflict escalated following US and Israeli attacks on Iran in late February, and despite a memorandum of understanding in June aimed at resolving hostilities, negotiations have remained at an impasse. Recent indirect talks at the United Nations General Assembly did not yield a breakthrough, and the US has shifted to economic pressure while scaling back military operations.