Iran has taken a firm stance ahead of potential talks with the United States, rejecting negotiations under pressure. Senior leaders warned that threats and blockades could push Tehran to explore new “battlefield options.”
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made it clear that Tehran will not engage in negotiations “under the shadow of threats.”
He stressed that any dialogue with the United States must be conducted on the basis of equality and mutual respect, adding that pressure tactics are major obstacles to meaningful negotiations.
Tehran will not negotiate under "shadow of threats", warns of new battlefield "cards" if talks with US fails
— Syed Abbas Araghchi (@Araghchhi) April 20, 2026
Araghchi hinted that Iran has other options if talks with the US fail. He suggested that continued pressure from Washington could force Tehran to respond beyond the diplomatic arena, signaling possible escalation if negotiations collapse.
Ghalibaf criticises US strategy
ترامپ با اعمال محاصره و نقض آتشبس میخواهد تا به خیال خود این میز مذاکره را به میز تسلیم تبدیل کند یا جنگافروزی مجدد را موجّه سازد.
— محمدباقر قالیباف | MB Ghalibaf (@mb_ghalibaf) April 20, 2026
مذاکره زیر سایهٔ تهدید را نمیپذیریم و در دو هفتهٔ اخیر برای رو کردن کارتهای جدید در میدان نبرد آماده شدهایم.
Separately, Iranian Speaker Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf echoed the same stance in a social media statement.
He said Iran would not accept talks conducted under threats and accused US President Donald Trump of trying to turn negotiations into a “surrender table.”
Also Read: Trump warns Iran ceasefire ending, threatens force if no deal
Ghalibaf also accused Trump of violating the agreement by imposing a blockade, claiming the move undermines trust and damages diplomatic efforts. He added that over the past two weeks, Iran has been preparing to take new steps on the battlefield in response to US actions.
'New cards' on battlefield
Reinforcing the warning, Ghalibaf said Tehran is ready to reveal new “cards” if talks fail. He warned that the US approach — combining threats with negotiations — risks justifying renewed conflict rather than achieving peace.
Moreover, Maj Gen Ali Abdollahi, the head of Iran’s Central Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters, said the Iranian Armed Forces are fully prepared to deliver a decisive response to any threats from the enemy. He added that the Iranian nation takes great pride in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and other defense forces.
According to Abdollahi, Iran compelled both the United States and what he referred to as the “Zionist enemy” to seek a ceasefire. He also stated that Iran would not allow the US President to spread what he described as misleading narratives.
Iran’s leadership has signaled that while it remains open to dialogue, it will not compromise under pressure, setting the stage for a critical diplomatic phase.
Earlier on Monday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian had said that adherence to promises and agreements forms the foundation of meaningful negotiations, while stressing that there was a significant lack of trust between Iran and the United States.
In a statement posted on social media, Pezeshkian said that Iranians were well aware of the conduct of the US government, alleging that Washington sought to force Iran into submission. He added that the Iranian people would not yield under pressure under any circumstances.
He further described recent signals from the United States as contradictory and unconstructive, saying they send a negative message at a time when diplomatic engagement is already strained.
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