Iran will not bow to any bullying power, President Pezeshkian says

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Tuesday that Iran will not bow to any bullying power, during a meeting with visiting Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili in Tehran. Kavelashvili traveled to Iran to participate in a ceremony paying tribute to the martyred Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.

Pezeshkian appreciated the sympathy and condolences expressed by the Georgian government and people, calling it a foundation for developing bilateral relations. Referring to recent aggressions by the United States and the Zionist regime against Iran, he described these actions as contrary to international law, the UN Charter, and humanitarian law. He stated that during these attacks, the martyred Leader, high-ranking military commanders, officials, scientists, academics, students, and innocent citizens were martyred, and parts of the country's infrastructure were targeted. Pezeshkian emphasized that from the perspective of international law, these actions are a clear violation of national sovereignty and a crime against civilians. He added that Iran, within its inherent right to self-defense and relying on national capabilities, gave a decisive and proportionate response to these aggressions.

Criticizing the destabilizing actions of the Zionist regime in the region, Pezeshkian said that the regime's record shows it has played a role in many regional crises and conflicts and is a main factor of instability and insecurity. Turning to bilateral cooperation, he pointed out vast areas for developing relations in political, economic, commercial, scientific, academic, cultural, and tourism fields, which can ensure common interests.

Georgian President Kavelashvili expressed sincere condolences over the martyrdom of Ayatollah Khamenei and Iranian citizens, stating that Georgia followed this loss with great emotion and stood by the Iranian nation. Referring to historical ties, he said Iran and Georgia have had deep relations for centuries, and after Georgia's independence, bilateral development has been pursued seriously. He emphasized Georgia's positions on regional developments, including the need for peace, respect for national sovereignty, and the legitimate right of nations to defend themselves. According to Mehr News, the meeting highlighted the potential for enhanced cooperation between the two countries.