Iran’s top judicial official signaled openness to renewed diplomacy with the United States on Friday, but ruled out negotiations conducted under military pressure or demands that would require abandoning Tehran’s core objectives.
Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, the Islamic Republic’s judiciary chief, sought to reposition Iran’s negotiating stance following months of military conflict, asserting that Tehran remains willing to engage Washington while maintaining a firm posture on substantive matters.
“The Islamic Republic has never shied away from negotiations,” Ejei said in a statement released through the judiciary’s Mizan Online website. “But we certainly do not accept imposition.”
The comments reflect a delicate balancing act as Iran attempts to signal flexibility on the diplomatic front while avoiding any appearance of weakness after sustained military operations. Ejei emphasized that Tehran has no appetite for continued conflict, but framed any settlement as contingent on preserving what he termed the nation’s “principles and values.”
“We do not welcome war in any way; we do not want war, we do not want its continuation,” Ejei said. Yet he added a critical caveat: “We are absolutely not willing to abandon our principles and values in the face of this malicious enemy to avoid war or prevent its continuation.”
The judiciary chief also took aim at the military campaign itself, claiming the United States achieved no strategic gains during the conflict. He asserted that Iran will not “back down” once talks begin, suggesting Tehran’s negotiating position remains unchanged despite the months of hostilities.
The statement comes as pressure mounts on both sides to pursue a diplomatic off-ramp to the conflict. It remains unclear whether the Trump administration views Iran’s overture as a genuine opening or a rhetorical maneuver designed to appeal to domestic constituencies while maintaining maximum leverage in potential negotiations.
(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
