ALBAWABA- Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araqhchi issued a stern but pragmatic message to the incoming U.S. administration, cautioning against renewed "maximum pressure" tactics.
In a post on X, Araqhchi pointed to the failures of previous U.S. policies, saying, “Maximum Pressure 1.0 compelled ‘Maximum Resistance’ and ended in ‘Maximum Defeat’ for the U.S. The proof? Look at Iran’s peaceful nuclear program before and after the so-called ‘Maximum Pressure’ policy.”
Araqhchi warned that any attempt at a "Maximum Pressure 2.0" would only yield “Maximum Defeat 2.0" and suggested that the U.S. instead adopt a strategy of “Maximum Wisdom”—one that would serve both nations' interests.
Addressing recent accusations of an Iranian plot to assassinate former President Donald Trump, Araqhchi dismissed them as fabrications, drawing parallels to past incidents aimed at tarnishing Iran’s image.
Reflecting on his recent visit to Saudi Arabia, he alluded to a previous assassination attempt on Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, asserting that such events were scripted to create tension.
"Who can in their right mind believe that a supposed assassin sits in Iran and talks online to the FBI? This is a third-rate comedy,” he remarked.
In a final message, Araqhchi emphasized the need for mutual respect and cooperation. "The American people have chosen their leader, and Iran respects their right to do so. Iran is not pursuing nuclear weapons, a policy rooted in our Islamic values and security considerations. The path forward requires trust-building on both sides—it’s not a one-way street."
