Kamal Kharrazi, head of Iran’s Strategic Council on Foreign Relations, on November 16 called on US President Donald Trump to engage in “real negotiations” founded on mutual respect and the principle of equality, ISNA reported.

Former foreign minister Kharrazi and other senior figures in the Islamic Republic's echelons are part of an old inner circle which echoes the view of the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's position, although not overtly.

Talks between Tehran and Washington were halted following the 12‑day war with Israel, during which the United States also took part by bombing Iranian nuclear sites. Since then, no direct dialogue has taken place, though Iranian officials have reported some exchange of messages through intermediaries.

"We are not running away from negotiations," said Kharrazi in a speech on Sunday while addressing an international conference, entitled “International Law Under Attack: Aggression and Defence”  in Tehran on November 16.

He argued that the US is unprepared for genuine dialogue, seeking instead to impose its demands through military and economic pressure. “This method is rejected, and Iranians will not submit to it. They will stand against bullying,” he declared.

He advised Trump to study the experiences of previous US administrations, which found that Iran would not submit to pressure or threats and remains determined to defend its rights and independence.

In the meantime, the advisor to Iran's Leader added that "However, we are not prepared to negotiate under pressure from force of weapons and criminal actions."

"Therefore, my advice to Trump is to adopt a positive approach and show his readiness to negotiate based on equality and mutual respect. Then, he will see what the results will be," Kharrazi added.

Kharrazi advised President Trump to study the experience of his predecessors, noting: “Just as they were compelled to recognise Iran as an independent and resilient nation, you too will have to accept this reality.”

He reiterated that Iran will not abandon uranium enrichment for peaceful purposes, will not relinquish its defensive capabilities, and will not compromise its independence.

One of the central disputes in past negotiations has been enrichment, with Washington insisting on zero enrichment while Tehran has maintained it as a legitimate right for civilian use. The US has also pressed for restrictions on Iran’s missile programme, which Iranian officials regard as a non‑negotiable element of national defence.