INTERNATIONAL NEWS NETWORK
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has reiterated that while Iran remains open to negotiations, it will not succumb to external pressure or intimidation. Speaking at a meeting with government directors in Tehran Province, Pezeshkian emphasized that the nation seeks peace and stability in the West Asia region but will not engage in talks under duress.
“We should not be afraid of sanctions,” Pezeshkian stated, referencing U.S. President Donald Trump’s National Security Presidential Memorandum 2, which aimed to reduce Iran’s crude oil exports to zero. He acknowledged the calls for negotiation with the United States but firmly rejected any notion of surrender. “Some assert that there is no alternative but to negotiate with them [the United States.] We did not say we would not negotiate, but we are not supposed to capitulate to bullies,” he added.
The president’s remarks reflect Iran’s long-standing stance on maintaining its sovereignty and refusing to yield to what it perceives as unjust demands from global powers. Pezeshkian underscored that dialogue must be rooted in mutual respect, not coercion. Beyond the topic of negotiations, Pezeshkian also criticized what he described as the hypocrisy of nations that claim to champion human rights while simultaneously inflicting violence on innocent civilians. “They tell us not to possess missiles and munitions so that they can bomb us whenever they want, leaving us unable to defend ourselves,” he said, firmly defending Iran’s right to maintain its defense capabilities.
Highlighting Iran’s commitment to regional peace, Pezeshkian stressed that his country has not been a source of unrest in West Asia. Instead, he pointed to Israel’s actions, backed by the United States, as the primary cause of regional tensions. “Iran has not generated tensions in the region. Israel is directly accountable. It is the Zionist regime which carries out acts of aggression anywhere and is not afraid of anybody due to U.S. support,” he declared.
Pezeshkian’s statements reinforce Iran’s dual approach: a willingness to engage in diplomacy while standing firm against external threats. The president’s message was clear — Iran seeks peaceful relations with its neighbors and other Muslim countries but will not compromise its security or sovereignty. As Iran navigates the complex geopolitical landscape of West Asia, Pezeshkian’s words signal a continued pursuit of balanced diplomacy and steadfast defense, advocating for peace without submission to external pressures.
