Iran Firm: Military Pressure Won’t Force Negotiations; Defense Top Priority
Tehran, Iran – A high-level Iranian source, speaking exclusively to Al Mayadeen, has underscored Iran’s resolute stance that external military deployments will not dictate its foreign policy, particularly regarding negotiations. The source emphasized that while defensive readiness remains paramount, Iran is open to talks under specific conditions.
Rejection of Coercion
The Iranian official firmly stated that “negotiations are not our priority” in the face of ongoing military buildups, asserting that “resolute defense is paramount.” This position highlights a clear distinction between Iran’s readiness for dialogue and its rejection of any attempts to use military pressure as leverage. “America cannot compel us to negotiate through military mobilization,” the source added, dismissing the notion that military posturing could force Iran to the negotiating table.
Conditional Openness to Dialogue
Despite the current focus on defense, the Iranian source clarified that Tehran is not entirely averse to diplomatic engagement. “If the Americans are amenable to negotiations without pre-determining their outcomes, Iran will certainly accept such an offer,” the official noted. This indicates a willingness for dialogue provided it is based on mutual respect and does not involve preconditions imposed by the opposing side.
Heightened Defensive Posture
In response to what was described as “U.S. military alignment,” Iran is committed to bolstering its defensive capabilities. “We will raise our defensive readiness to the highest level,” the source affirmed. The official also conveyed Iran’s serious assessment of regional dynamics, stating, “We take the possibility of war seriously and cannot be preoccupied with external messages that might distract from our defensive preparations.”
Strategic Response to Aggression
The Iranian source further outlined Iran’s response strategy to any potential aggression, emphasizing a targeted and deterrent approach. “We will target the same base and point from which aerial operations are carried out against us,” the official warned. Crucially, the source stressed a policy of non-aggression towards non-hostile nations: “We will not attack other countries because we do not consider them hostile.”
Deterrent Capabilities Highlighted
The official concluded by cautioning against the underestimation of Iran’s response capabilities. “Military action is not an easy option for the U.S. because they know Iran’s response will be significant and decisive, not merely proportional to the attack,” the source stated. “We have designed our response in a way that will compel them to reconsider even limited attacks,” signaling Iran’s confidence in its ability to deter potential aggressors effectively.
