President Masoud Pezeshkian says the United States must receive a response to its aggression
against Iran.
In response to French President Emmanuel Macron’s demand for self-restraint in the face of US attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities in Isfahan, Natanz, and Fordow, the Iranian president described this act as a symbol of the insincerity of the US and its unfounded claims regarding negotiation and peace.
During a phone call with his French counterpart, President Pezeshkian noted on Sunday that the Islamic Republic and the US discussed trust during indirect talks mediated by Oman on Iran’s nuclear program, yet Americans attacked Iranian nuclear sites.
In response to Macron's request for self-restraint from Iran in the face of US military aggression, Pezeshkian emphasized, “The US has attacked us; what would you do in such a situation? Naturally, they must receive a response to their aggression.”
Iran has not initiated any war, but it has been attacked; therefore, it will defend itself against aggressors, he said. The president added that the Islamic Republic has always announced its readiness to hold talks based on international regulations. However, the Iranian nation will never succumb to bullying policies, and it is natural that it will respond appropriately to aggression, Pezeshkian noted.
According to the president, diplomacy is valid only when both parties adhere to their commitments, not when one side attacks the other during negotiations and undermines trust.
Referring to the role of Paris in this situation, he stated that Iranians consider France to be a country committed to democratic principles, and Iran hopes this perception is not damaged by the actions of the French government.
Regarding Iran’s constructive engagement with Europe, Pezeshkian added that the Islamic Republic has always declared its readiness for dialogue with Europe and has never abandoned the path of diplomacy. Iran has never sought war or nuclear weapons because peace and tranquility are the foundations of development.
In response, the French president expressed readiness to continue the diplomatic path, stating that France remains prepared to engage in negotiations with Iran and will continue its efforts to stop the conflicts and restore stability.