Iran ready to resolve issues with neighbors through diplomacy, Pezeshkian says

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Wednesday that Iran is ready to resolve issues with its neighbors through diplomacy and dialogue, during a meeting in Tehran with Bafel Talabani, head of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) of Iraq. Pezeshkian emphasized the deep historical, cultural, and social ties between the Iranian nation and the people of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region, saying the relations are rooted in neighborliness and hold special importance for the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Pezeshkian said regional nations share profound and ancient connections and must rely on these commonalities to pave the way for cooperation, stability, and development. Referring to efforts by outsiders to create division and conflict in the region, he said the United States and Israel are seeking to weaken the capacities of regional countries and exploit their resources. He added that the grounds for instability and disagreement must be reduced by increasing cooperation and dialogue.

The Iranian president stated that if certain groups have legitimate demands, Iran is ready to pursue and resolve the issues through dialogue and within the framework of mutual understanding and respect. At the same time, he said, all parties are expected to adhere to the principles of good neighborliness and refrain from excessive demands and improper behavior. Emphasizing shared religious and cultural values among Muslims, Pezeshkian said Muslims are considered brothers and that regional issues can be resolved through cooperation, dialogue, fairness, and justice. He added that if parties behave toward one another based on mutual respect and brotherhood, a region full of tranquility, development, progress, solidarity, and humanity can be created.

Pezeshkian placed a premium on the expansion of relations between Iran and the Iraqi Kurdistan Region. He highlighted the Iranian government's approach of utilizing the capacities of all ethnicities and religions based on merit and capability, noting that this path has been pursued under the guidance of the martyred Leader of the Islamic Revolution.

During the meeting, Bafel Talabani said Iran is a close friend of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region and that the development of relations and joint cooperation between the two sides is valued. Talabani underlined the importance of securing the border, saying all efforts are aimed at ensuring the security of the Islamic Republic of Iran at the border with the Kurdistan Region more than ever before. Within the framework of a security agreement between Iran and Iraq, he said, efforts are being made to remove anti-Revolution groups active in border areas and provide the necessary grounds for strengthening security and stability in the region. Talabani also said an economic team accompanied him to Iran to address existing needs through cooperation and work for the expansion of trade. According to Mehr News, the meeting underscored ongoing diplomatic engagement between Tehran and Iraqi Kurdish officials.