Pezeshkian: Iran seeks dialogue but will not surrender defense capabilities

In a recent address to the Iranian public, President Masoud Pezeshkian elaborated on Iran's stance regarding negotiations and its defense posture. He stated that Iran did not initiate the war and that Tehran's decision to engage in negotiations was based on the need to safeguard national interests while avoiding unnecessary conflict. He rejected claims that his administration had pressured the country's leadership into accepting negotiations, asserting that major decisions were made with the approval and coordination of the leadership.

President Pezeshkian mentioned that Iran had reached understandings with European representatives during diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving differences, but said that European countries ultimately failed to act independently. He noted that the issue of the snapback mechanism was subsequently pursued by European countries, despite earlier understandings reached during negotiations. He argued that diplomacy should not be viewed as incompatible with Iran's defensive strength, and that negotiations could be useful when they helped secure Iran's rights and interests.

The president stressed that Tehran would not accept the dismantling of its military and defense capabilities. He said adversaries sought to strip Iran of its defensive capabilities and leave it vulnerable to a fate like Gaza. Iran will never accept surrendering its military and defensive power or bowing to them, he emphasized. He also clarified that Iran does not intend to attack other countries, seize territory, or expand its borders, noting that Iran's objective was coexistence with neighboring countries. He contrasted this position with Israeli ambitions for territorial expansion.

Regarding the diplomatic understanding reached after the conflict, President Pezeshkian defended it, saying Iran had secured significant outcomes and had not made unacceptable concessions. He mentioned that one of the issues involved the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran had agreed to allow vessels to pass under its regulations, while the other side was expected to fulfill its own commitments. On Iran's relations with its neighbors, he said many longstanding problems had been resolved and relations had improved considerably.

The president warned that the Israeli regime and the United States were seeking to bring Persian Gulf countries together against Iran and said Tehran was working to prevent such a development. He stressed that Iran regarded Muslim countries as brothers and questioned why Muslim states should become involved in conflict with one another. He also referred to internal divisions, saying disagreements could be exploited by external powers.

Addressing reports of disagreements between the government, the diplomatic apparatus, and the armed forces over negotiations and the war, President Pezeshkian categorically rejected the claims. He said decisions had been made through the relevant national security structures and that the military and security institutions had accepted and supported them. The government is completely coordinated with the military forces, he said, adding that officials considered supporting those forces a responsibility. He also said there had been no disagreement between the government and military commanders over the diplomatic understanding.

President Pezeshkian further rejected reports of differences between himself and Iran's Leader, saying his government has consistently followed the Leader's policies. He argued that maintaining unity among political, security, and military institutions was essential for Iran to withstand external pressure and navigate its current regional and international challenges. According to Mehr News Agency, these remarks were part of an extensive address to the Iranian public, as reported by President.ir.