'Maximum Pressure' Is Poison for Diplomacy

Pressure consistently leads to resistance and makes the dispute harder to resolve.

The Iranian government has ruled out direct talks with the U.S. as long as Trump’s “maximum pressure” campaign continues:

"Iran's position regarding nuclear talks is clear and we will not negotiate under pressure and sanctions," Araqchi said during a televised joint press conference with Lavrov.

"There is no possibility of direct negotiations with the U.S. as long as maximum pressure is being applied in this way."

The window for diplomacy with Iran was closing a couple weeks ago, and it is fair to say that it is now shut unless the U.S. changes its approach. It has been clear from the start of Trump’s pressure campaign back in 2018 that waging economic war on Iran has always been antithetical to pursuing successful diplomacy. Supporters of “maximum pressure” despise diplomacy with Iran and back broad sanctions because they know it makes it practically impossible for the U.S. and Iran to come to terms.