Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has defended the Islamabad memorandum of understanding between Iran and the US, describing it as dignified and emphasizing that the Islamic Republic will not compromise its national interests while seeking a way out of the prolonged state of neither war nor peace.
Speaking at a ceremony marking National Doctors’ Day in Tehran on Saturday, President Pezeshkian said Iran cannot remain indefinitely in a situation characterized by continuing tensions and uncertainty. He stressed that resolving such circumstances requires logic and maintaining national strength, adding that the country’s policies are set by the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Sayyid Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei and that the government will follow that direction.
Not even one clause of the MoU demonstrates submission, President Pezeshkian said, arguing that its commitments are directed toward the other side. He added that the agreement was considered by members of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) to be consistent with the principles of dignity, wisdom and national interests.
The president also criticized the conduct of the United States and the Israeli regime, commemorating those martyred in recent attacks and saying the record of those claiming to defend human rights and democracy had become clear.
He stressed that Iran would not surrender to pressure or coercion, while emphasizing national unity despite domestic differences.
President Pezeshkian also praised Iran’s medical community for its response during the recent wars and other crises, saying doctors, nurses, surgeons and other health workers continued treating the wounded under extremely difficult and dangerous conditions.
Minister of Health and Medical Education Mohammad-Reza Zafarghandi said more than 210 ambulances were damaged during the recent conflict. He also rejected claims that medicines are not subject to sanctions, saying restrictions have in practice prevented even the clearance of some medical shipments.
President Pezeshkian warned that continued instability discourages investment, stressing that Iran needs conditions conducive to economic development. He said the government seeks to address social inequalities, expand access to healthcare and education, and strengthen national resilience.
The president concluded by calling for unity and cooperation to build a stronger Iran, while emphasizing justice, evidence-based policymaking and equal access to essential services.