Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian has made it clear that while the Islamic Republic is open to negotiations, it will not yield to the pressures of powers that engage in bullying tactics.
During a meeting with government officials from the cities of Eslamshahr, Baharestan, and Robat Karim in southwestern Tehran Province, Pezeshkian stated on Thursday that some people believe negotiating with the United States is the only path forward.
However, he emphasized, Iran has never ruled out the possibility of talks. What is unacceptable, he said, is for the Islamic Republic to surrender to the demands of those who resort to intimidation.
Pezeshkian stated, “Some say we have no choice but to sit down and negotiate. We never said we wouldn’t negotiate, but we are not going to bow down to bullies. It's not acceptable for some to come and tell us to put all our weapons aside and negotiate with them; then, whenever they want, they can come and attack us and leave. What kind of negotiation logic is that?!”
He further reiterated that from the beginning, Iran has declared its intention not to engage in conflict.
“We want to live in peace and tranquility with our neighbors. We did not disrupt the region; rather, it is the Zionist regime that has invaded wherever it wanted and has no fear of anyone, as it is backed by a power like the United States, which talks about human rights and freedom while accusing us of disrupting the region.”
Pezeshkian stated that it is contradictory to impose and intensify sanctions against Iran while simultaneously saying, “Let’s sit down and negotiate."
He also referred to the development of Iran, as emphasized by the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, in the 20-Year Vision Document that calls for reaching a leading position in the region and becoming a role model.
Regarding cooperation between the Iranian people and government, he said, we can join hands and, with mutual assistance, overcome crises and bring the country closer to the vision outlined by the Supreme Leader.
In the final part of his remarks, the president highlighted the importance of developing the transportation network, underscoring the need to connect railway systems between provinces.