WANA (Feb 12) – The Iranian government spokesperson emphasized that while Iranians are open to negotiations, they will not succumb to coercion. “One cannot impose a policy of maximum pressure with a smile,” she stated.

 

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Cabinet meeting, Fatemeh Mohajerani underscored the government’s active plans to counter the sanctions.

 

“We anticipated that the U.S. administration would pursue maximum pressure against Iran, even though we knew this strategy would be ineffective. Nonetheless, the government has a solid plan to boost the economy, and with public support, we will overcome these challenges,” she said.

 

Iran Resilient Despite Economic Pressures

Acknowledging the difficulties ahead, Mohajerani stated, “We are not claiming the road ahead is easy. Iran has faced tough situations multiple times, but we have always emerged stronger with the support of our people.”

 

She highlighted that Iran’s private sector and industries are in a much better position compared to previous decades, with innovative companies playing a crucial role. “Strengthening the private sector, leveraging domestic capabilities, and enhancing regional cooperation remain key pillars of our economic strategy,” she added.

 

Talks with the U.S.: Not Under Pressure

Regarding potential negotiations with the U.S., Mohajerani reaffirmed Iran’s stance. “Iran has always been a nation of dialogue, but negotiations have conditions. A conversation conducted under duress is not a negotiation—it is coercion,” she asserted.

 

Explaining Iran’s reluctance to engage under current circumstances, she said, “When we say ‘no to negotiations,’ it is because the other party does not understand the language of diplomacy. We are fully capable of negotiations, as demonstrated by the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA), which was successfully reached through diplomatic efforts. However, in the end, it was the U.S. that withdrew from the agreement, not Iran.”

 

Mohajerani reiterated Iran’s position, stating, “Iranians are a people of dialogue and friendship, but they will not bow to pressure or double standards. When the Iranian president signs an agreement, it has binding executive power. One cannot issue maximum pressure policies with a smile and expect negotiations to proceed.” She emphasized that Iran evaluates the practical steps taken by the other side before considering talks.

 

Iran Adapting Countermeasures Against U.S. Pressure

When asked whether Iran plans to update its countermeasures against U.S. policies, Mohajerani explained, “In policymaking, strategies are dynamic. We always design multiple scenarios in advance and adapt them based on evolving conditions. The government and all relevant institutions are actively working on updating our strategies accordingly.”

 

FATF and Economic Resilience

On U.S. economic pressure, Mohajerani pointed out that Washington seeks to keep Iran in a financial chokehold, including by preventing its removal from the FATF blacklist. “It is clear that we must maintain the upper hand and avoid self-imposed restrictions. That is why we support the adoption of the CFT and Palermo bills—focused on anti-money laundering and counterterrorism financing—because they serve Iran’s economic interests,” she explained.

 

Mohajerani’s Response to Trump’s “Negotiation or Bomb” Narrative

Reacting to U.S. President Donald Trump’s approach of presenting Iran with a binary choice between negotiations or military action, Mohajerani remarked, “Trump has already tested maximum pressure, and history has shown that threats will not resolve issues.”

 

She concluded by recalling a famous statement from former Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif: “Never threaten an Iranian.” “We repeat this message once again: Never threaten an Iranian. That is the best response,” she said.