
Pezeshkian tells Swiss president Iran will resist pressure, defends national rights
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian met Swiss President Guy Parmelin at the UN General Assembly, stating Iran will respond to pressure while defending its national rights and calling for dialogue to resolve disputes.
Published on 24 September 2026
SavePezeshkian tells Swiss president Iran will resist pressure, defends national rights
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian met with his Swiss counterpart, Guy Parmelin, on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York to discuss recent regional and international developments and the need to strengthen diplomatic mechanisms to reduce tensions. During the meeting, Pezeshkian outlined Tehran's position on recent events and stressed the importance of respecting fundamental principles of international law. He expressed Iran's readiness to expand relations and cooperation with countries on the basis of mutual respect.
Pezeshkian said that recent US and Israeli acts of aggression against Iran, including attacks on the country's infrastructure and civilian facilities and the targeting of the Leader, officials, commanders, scientists and citizens, were contrary to fundamental principles of international law, humanitarian standards and obligations arising from international documents and treaties. He stressed the need for all parties to respect national sovereignty and territorial integrity, the prohibition of the use of force, and the settlement of disputes through dialogue and peaceful mechanisms.
The Iranian president said Tehran was prepared to expand its relations and cooperation with all countries based on mutual respect, common interests, good-neighborly relations, sovereign equality and accepted international principles and rules. He also said Iran would respond to pressure, threats and policies based on force while defending its national rights and interests. He stressed that disputes could be resolved only through dialogue, diplomacy and compliance with international commitments, adding that lasting stability and security could not be established through coercive and unilateral measures.
Pezeshkian presented his Swiss counterpart with a copy of "In the Name of HELP," a book containing the names and photographs of Iranians killed in the recent war. The book was intended to recall false claims of assistance by the United States and its allies.
President Parmelin, for his part, referred to the longstanding relations and good ties between Iran and Switzerland and stressed the importance of maintaining dialogue and using diplomatic channels to manage regional crises. He recalled Switzerland's role in previous diplomatic efforts and initiatives, as well as its history of representing US interests in Iran. He described relations between Tehran and Bern as important and longstanding. Parmelin also expressed concern over the situation in the region and said Switzerland was prepared to use its diplomatic capacity to help reduce tensions, facilitate dialogue and create conditions for moving beyond the current situation. He stressed the need to end the cycle of tensions and conflict and to pursue political and diplomatic solutions aimed at restoring stability and preventing further escalation.
According to Mehr News, the meeting took place as part of the ongoing UN General Assembly session, where leaders are addressing regional and global issues.
Source: Mehr News — Read original story