Iranian President: "Trump Seeks to Deprive Us of Nuclear Rights... We Must Stand Against Our Enemy"

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Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has taken a hardline stance, emphasizing his country's nuclear rights as a second ceasefire meeting with the United States is anticipated.

According to ISNA News Agency on April 19, President Pezeshkian, targeting U.S. President Donald Trump at an event that day, criticized, "He argues that Iran should not exercise its nuclear rights, but does not explain the reason."

He went on to say, "On what grounds does he attempt to deprive a nation of its legitimate rights?" He added, "We must fight against a cruel enemy." However, he also stated, "We must manage the situation so that it is understood that we are not provoking war, but rather maintaining a defensive posture."

These remarks are interpreted as expressing Iran's determination not to back down from U.S. pressure to halt uranium enrichment entirely, while also signaling a willingness to engage sincerely in negotiations.

Previously, on April 17, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced via social media the temporary opening of the Strait of Hormuz. However, the next day, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reversed this decision and closed the strait again, stating that there would be no reopening unless the U.S. blockade was lifted, exposing internal disagreements within Iran.

On April 11, U.S. and Iranian delegations met in Islamabad, Pakistan, with Pakistan mediating to discuss ending the war, but the negotiations broke down. Pakistan is preparing follow-up talks, but the schedule has not yet been confirmed.

The main issues currently at the center of negotiations include whether Iran will halt uranium enrichment, the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, the lifting of sanctions against Iran, and the cessation of Israel's attacks on Lebanon.

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