Pezeshkian says Iran is open to dialogue, but 'will not surrender to force and bullying'

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Monday said Tehran remained open to dialogue and negotiations to resolve its differences with the United States but would not surrender to pressure, coercion or what he described as bullying.

Speaking at a ceremony marking the 72nd anniversary of the establishment of Iran Dairy Industries Company, Pezeshkian said Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei had instructed officials to bring an end to the country's prolonged state of "neither war nor peace".

The Iranian President stressed that Tehran was prepared to pursue diplomatic solutions provided negotiations were conducted on the basis of mutual respect, justice and equal conditions.

"We can negotiate with dignity and bring the issue to an end with dignity," Pezeshkian said, emphasising that Iran favoured dialogue over confrontation.

He maintained that resolving disputes through negotiations was preferable to military conflict whenever the country's legitimate rights could be secured through diplomatic means.

However, he made it clear that Iran would not accept demands imposed through threats or military pressure.

"We will not surrender to force and bullying," Pezeshkian said, reiterating Tehran's opposition to negotiations conducted under coercive conditions.

𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫'𝐬 𝐝𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞

Referring to the instructions issued by Iran's supreme leader, Pezeshkian said the government had been directed to address the uncertainty created by the continuing confrontation with Washington.

He argued that the existing situation, characterised by the absence of a lasting peace settlement despite intermittent diplomatic engagement, could not continue indefinitely.

According to the Iranian President, the country needed to pursue a resolution that would safeguard its national dignity and sovereign rights while preventing further conflict.

Pezeshkian said Tehran's willingness to negotiate should not be interpreted as weakness or a readiness to accept conditions imposed by other countries.

He also recalled his address to the United Nations General Assembly in September, where he had expressed Iran's readiness for negotiations based on justice and equality.

The President reiterated that Iran would continue to defend its rights while remaining prepared to engage diplomatically with countries seeking a negotiated settlement.

𝐓𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐖𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐨𝐧

Pezeshkian's remarks came amid continuing efforts to resolve tensions between Iran and the United States following the US-Israeli military offensive against Tehran that began on February 28.

The conflict has severely strained relations between the two countries, with disputes over sanctions, military operations and maritime security complicating attempts to reach a lasting agreement.

Although diplomatic initiatives have continued through regional intermediaries, major differences remain over the conditions required to end hostilities.

The two countries signed the 14-point Islamabad memorandum in June following negotiations mediated by Pakistan, but disagreements over its implementation and renewed military tensions have prevented a comprehensive settlement.

Iran has maintained that any agreement must respect its sovereignty and address the economic and security pressures imposed on the country.

Washington, meanwhile, has continued to press Tehran over its regional activities and the terms of a possible settlement.

𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞

Apart from addressing foreign policy, Pezeshkian emphasised the importance of strengthening Iran's domestic economy to withstand external pressures.

He called for increased domestic production and greater efforts to meet the country's essential requirements through local resources.

The President said economic resilience and self-reliance were necessary to reduce vulnerability to external disruptions and safeguard national independence.

He also urged citizens and industries to adopt more efficient energy consumption practices, arguing that conservation could help the country overcome existing economic and energy-related challenges.

Pezeshkian acknowledged the difficulties faced by ordinary Iranians and stressed that the government had a responsibility to improve living conditions despite the country's ongoing challenges.

He said Iran possessed substantial resources and that the administration must ensure these were used effectively to address public needs.

The President also called for a change in approach to national development, emphasising the importance of protecting the country's future and recognising the sacrifices made by its people.

His latest remarks underscored Tehran's position that diplomacy remained possible despite the continuing confrontation with Washington, but that any negotiations would have to take place without threats or demands for unconditional submission.