Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, in an exclusive interview with American television network NBC News, said that the Islamic Republic is ready for talks with the US and Europe based on dignity, wisdom, and equal terms.
"We are ready for dialogue; we accept an equal conversation that considers our dignity and wisdom, and we will not submit to force in any way," Pezeshkian told NBC News' Lester Holt during the interview, as he elaborated on the approaches of the Islamic Republic and his administration on key domestic and foreign issues of Iran.
The president pointed out to Iran’s practical steps to de-escalate.
“When I took office, Iran was in discussions with Europe to resolve existing differences and doubts. Even when I visited New York, there were conversations with [the West], and we indirectly communicated with the Americans. Unfortunately, the Zionist regime disrupted this communication and dialogue with a series of actions it took, starting with the assassination of [Hamas political leader] Martyr Haniyeh.”
Further explaining on Iran’s measures for de-escalation, the president said: “Currently, dialogue between Iran and European countries continues. We are certainly not seeking to undermine the global perspective on tranquility and security. It is they who are trying to force us into a situation that does not exist in the mind and beliefs of our Supreme Leader and the Iranian authorities. They are doing everything to say that Iran wants to develop a nuclear bomb, justifying their actions accordingly. This narrative is entirely unacceptable.”
On whether Iran is ready to hold direct talks with the US on its nuclear energy program, Pezeshkian said that the Islamic Republic has always been ready for negotiations. But, he added, what Iran is concerned about and has rendered talks unfruitful is that Tehran holds talks and adheres to them but the other side seeks pressure.
“We cannot have sanctions imposed on us every day and then come to the negotiating table. What should we believe in? If you genuinely want peace and tranquility in the region, why do you threaten and sanction us every day? Why do you send people to assassinate innocent individuals in society? If you truly seek peace, what is the purpose of these actions?”
Pezeshkian also commented on a question that whether Iran is ready for direct talks with US President-elect Donald Trump who withdrew his country from the 2015 Iranian nuclear deal officially called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and launched his so-called pressure campaign against the Iranian nation.
“Our problem is not with dialogue; our problem is with adhering to commitments that must be upheld after the dialogue. Unfortunately, when we engage in discussions and make commitments to each other, there is a lack of adherence to those commitments. In the negotiations we held with the 5+1 group, which took a long time, we adhered to all of our commitments, but unfortunately, it was the other side that did not adhere to its obligations. Now, we do not know if we engage in dialogue again, whether the same thing will happen or not. A kind of mistrust has been created for our dear Supreme Leader and the government that no matter how much we talk, there is a perception that they are thinking about toppling us rather than seeking dialogue and solving issues.”
“What is clear so far is that, we in the Islamic Republic of Iran, have seen from the very beginning that the US has attempted to topple our government, and subsequently it has increased sanctions against Iran. We have always tried to live peacefully in the region, but unfortunately, they continue to exert pressure on us. The sanctions have created problems for us, but it is not to the extent that we cannot endure them,” Pezeshkian further explained.
He expressed hope that Trump would bring peace in West Asia and the world, instead of expanding war and bloodshed. This is what we expect, so that we can act and move more effectively based on the agreements previously made for peace and tranquility, added Pezeshkian.
The president pointed to international inspections of the Iranian nuclear facilities and the peaceful nature of its nuclear program.
“The tensions that exist benefit no one. They have inspected all our nuclear facilities, and everything we have done is peaceful. We do not seek nuclear weapons or bombs, we have never done so, nor will we. This is because it is a belief of ours. They want to forcibly suggest that we seek to acquire nuclear weapons. This is a mindset they want to create and propagate in the world to justify their interventions, but such interventions will certainly backfire on those who are making claims. We absolutely do not want to develop nuclear weapons, and we have demonstrated this in the agreements we made. The International Atomic Energy Agency has conducted the most inspections of Iran and our nuclear facilities. We are committed to the framework we have established and communicated, and we will continue to adhere to it.”
“We are not seeking war or bloodshed or conflict in the region; we are seeking tranquility. It is the Zionist regime that is turning the region into a battlefield and has never supported the success of the JCPOA; Netanyahu openly declared that he would do everything in his power to prevent the JCPOA from succeeding,” he further said.
Asked about the possibility of a military attack against Iran, the president said: “Such military attacks will undoubtedly be detrimental to the region and the world. Iran is neither Gaza nor Syria. Iran has the power to give a teeth-breaking response to these attacks, but we have never sought to create conflict in the region.”
“Naturally, we will give an appropriate reaction to any action taken against us”, said Pezeshkian in response to a question that how Iran would react if the US and Israel attack the country to stop its nuclear activities.
“We are not afraid of war, but we are not seeking it either. What they are talking about is an attack on land and equipment, but what we have gained is our thoughts, skills, and capabilities, which cannot be destroyed.”
In response to a question on the impact of the fall of the former Syrian government led by Bashar al-Assad on Iran, the president stated: “I do not see a connection in that regard. Perhaps some friends in the region are affected in that way, but we have become much stronger and more cohesive internally compared to last year.
Pezeshkian said that Iran had a presence in Syria at the time of Bashar al-Assad in response to his call for assistance in the war against terrorism.
President Pezeshkian added that Iran wants Syria’s integrity to be preserved, and also wants the Syrian people’s consent and participation, regardless of whom they choose or who governs Syria.
On Iran’s policy towards regional states, he said: “We would strive to live with our neighbors in friendship and close relations. We have never sought war or conflict in the region, and we will not do so in the future.”
Replying to a question on allegations about Iran’s role in recent assassination attempts against Trump, President Pezeshkian emphasized: “Absolutely not. This is part of the plans that the Zionist regime and foreign entities have made to create Iranophobia…Iran has never sought to assassinate anyone.”