Iran stands firm against U.S. military pressure amid nuclear talks: president

HotTV

Iran stands firm against U.S. military pressure amid nuclear talks: president

2026-02-22 10:20 Last Updated At：02-23 11:35

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Saturday that the nation will not yield to external pressure as U.S. President Donald Trump considers limited military strikes to influence the ongoing nuclear talks with the Islamic republic.

Pezeshkian said that despite the problems and harm caused by the enemy, the Iranian people will never yield to the enemy's bullying and coercion, noting that facing difficulties, Iran is determined to overcome challenges and defend national dignity.

Iran's stance comes as Trump confirmed on Friday that he is weighing "preliminary limited military strikes" to force Iran to accept U.S. demands regarding a nuclear agreement.

Also on Saturday, the Iranian Foreign Ministry officially labeled the naval and air forces of all European Union states as "terrorist organizations". The move is a response to the EU's recent decision to list Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps as a "terrorist organization".

Iranian political analysts say the continued pressure and military buildup of the United States in the Middle East during the nuclear negotiations suggest that the U.S. negotiation strategy may be aimed at securing domestic support in the U.S. rather than truly resolving disputes.

Iranian political analyst Foad Izadi noted that history shows the U.S. is rarely sincere in seeking a negotiated resolution. A successful negotiation would require the United States to make concessions, which would give Iran breathing room to recuperate. He argues that the U.S. goal is to overthrow the Iranian regime, so there is no reason to create such space for Iran’s development. Izadi said he believes the U.S. participates in talks only to shore up domestic support. Although the U.S. Congress is divided on Iran, Trump can claim "the U.S. tried negotiations but failed" to build the political backing needed for military action.

Similarly, another Iranian analyst said that the current U.S. strategy typically involves creating an initial sense of optimism before gradually escalating demands and setting strict deadlines. The analyst described this pattern as a signature tactic designed to force Iran into a corner where it must either accept unfavorable terms or face the threat of conflict. This pattern has effectively become a standard tactic used by the United States, especially the Trump administration, in handling international and regional issues.

Recent statements and actions of Iran indicate that while Iran has not abandoned diplomacy as a means of resolving differences, it is also maintaining military preparedness. Analysts warn that as the Iran-U.S. military standoff persists, alongside the involvement of Israel, the risk of conflict and war in the Middle East remains elevated.

Spokesman confirms commissioning of 'five essentials' for carriers

China's commissioning of "five essentials for aircraft carriers" marks a a significant achievement of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy’s accelerated transformation and development, said Jiang Bin, spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense, at a press conference in Beijing on Saturday.

The "five essentials" refer to stealth carrier-based fighters, multirole catapult-assisted carrier-based fighters, fixed-wing carrier-based early warning aircraft, fixed-wing electronic warfare aircraft, and anti-submarine helicopters.

"The package, or what media have dubbed the 'five essentials for aircraft carriers,' is a vital link in forming the systematic combat capability of aircraft carrier formations and a significant achievement in the PLA Navy’s accelerated transformation and development. Building a strong PLA Navy embodies the Chinese nation's long-cherished aspiration of striving to be a strong naval power and serves as an important guarantee for realizing national rejuvenation. In the new era, under the firm leadership of the CPC Central Committee, the Central Military Commission and President Xi, the modernization of the PLA Navy has become increasingly solid and powerful. From the air to the sea, from coastal waters to the open ocean, the types and functions of various weapons platforms have been continuously improved, achieving leapfrog development and innovative breakthroughs, providing stronger guarantees for safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests," he said.