Pezeshkian tells new ambassadors Iran will not yield to coercion or imposed demands

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Tuesday that Iran will not bow to coercion or accept demands imposed from outside the framework of international law, during separate meetings with the newly appointed ambassadors of Portugal, Switzerland, Türkiye and Nigeria who presented their credentials in Tehran.

Receiving Portuguese Ambassador Waltier Matias, Pezeshkian criticized what he described as misleading portrayals of Iran and its people in Western media, saying that many of the things published about Iran and the Iranian nation in Western media do not correspond to reality. He also denounced state terrorism and the targeting of scientists, schoolchildren and political leaders in the region by the United States and the Israeli regime, stating that those responsible for these actions claim to be fighting terrorism while committing such crimes, which he called one of the bitter realities of today's world. Pezeshkian stressed that Iran seeks peace, stability and a constructive role in regional and international affairs but would not submit to coercion. He said Iran will not yield to force and will defend its rights within the framework of international laws and regulations, adding that no country can impose any demands on the Iranian nation outside this framework. He further noted that relations among countries based on rights, justice and fairness would prevent wars.

In his meeting with Swiss Ambassador Georg Steiner, Pezeshkian praised Switzerland's positions on international issues, particularly humanitarian affairs and support for global peace, saying these positions are worthy of respect and expressing hope that existing capacities would prepare the ground for expanding relations and joint cooperation between the two countries in all fields. He also expressed hope that Steiner would gain a deeper understanding of Iranian society during his diplomatic mission, including the country's rich history, culture and civilization, and said the ambassador could help explain the realities of Iran and reflect them in international forums while countering false propaganda and unrealistic portrayals of the country.

With Turkish Ambassador Ahmed Aydin Dogan, Pezeshkian highlighted the friendly and historic ties between Iran and Türkiye, saying the two countries have close and brotherly relations that are fortunately expanding day by day, and that Iran's approach toward Türkiye and other neighboring countries is based on brotherhood and mutual respect. He noted that the two nations share extensive cultural, religious and even ethnic ties. Turning to regional developments, Pezeshkian said the Israeli regime is pursuing its objectives by committing crimes and genocide and seeking to create division and rifts among Islamic countries, and that its objectives are not directed at just one country but encompass all Islamic countries. He added that the regime continues its actions without fear, relying on support from the United States and certain European countries, while the international community has largely remained a spectator to its crimes. Referring to military aggression against Iran, the president said the aggressors had initially believed they could bring down the Islamic Republic through war and military action but failed to achieve their objective. He said they are now seeking to put the Iranian nation under pressure through economic measures, but the Islamic Republic possesses considerable capacities and capabilities and such pressures cannot break the will of the Iranian nation. Recalling his remarks at a four-way meeting of regional security officials, Pezeshkian again stressed the need for convergence and cooperation among Islamic countries, saying that if the countries of the region stand alongside one another with understanding, unity and cohesion and help each other secure their common security and interests, the Israeli regime will not be able to achieve its objectives and intentions in the region.

In his meeting with Nigerian Ambassador Hamza Mohammad Slao, Pezeshkian expressed hope for stronger relations between Tehran and Abuja, saying the Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to make use of all available capacities to develop relations with Nigeria and welcomes any initiative or effort in this direction. The president also stressed that countries genuinely seeking peace, stability and calm in the region must change their approach toward other nations. According to Mehr News, the meetings were held as the new ambassadors presented their credentials in Tehran.