The Iranian president defends negotiations with the United States despite oil export difficulties.

Sahin Demir

Date: 19 May 2026

Last Updated: 19 May 2026

Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian defended negotiations with the United States on Monday, stating that Iran was facing severe economic pressures and could not afford to remain in a permanent confrontation.

“They have blocked the road, and we are no longer exporting oil either,” Pezeshkian said at a meeting, according to the semi-official Iranian news agency ISNA.

“We cannot easily export oil,” he added.

The president also responded to critics of the negotiations.

“They chant that we should not negotiate. If we do not negotiate, what should we do? Fight indefinitely?” he said.

Pezeshkian also stated that Iran would continue talks “with dignity”, while defending the rights of the Iranian people.

He acknowledged more general economic difficulties, indicating that tax collection had become more challenging and many businesses were facing problems.

“We cannot say we have no problems,” he said, adding that elements of Iranian gas, electricity, and industrial infrastructure had also been damaged during the conflict.

Additionally, Pezeshkian stated on the American social network X that negotiations did not mean “surrender.”

“The Islamic Republic of Iran begins negotiations with dignity and authority, while preserving the rights of the nation, and will never waive the legitimate rights of the people and the country,” he asserted.

“We will serve the people and protect the interests and dignity of Iran to the end, with logic and all our might,” he added.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei indicated Monday morning that talks with the United States were continuing under Pakistani mediation.

Regional tensions have escalated since American and Israeli strikes against Iran in February. Tehran retaliated with strikes targeting Israel and U.S. allies in the Gulf, as well as by closing the Strait of Hormuz.

A ceasefire went into effect on April 8 through Pakistani mediation, but subsequent negotiations in Islamabad did not lead to a lasting agreement. President Donald Trump then extended the ceasefire indefinitely.