President Masoud Pezeshkian has called for the recognition of all legitimate rights of the Iranian people under international law, saying Iran seeks nothing beyond those rights and will not yield to pressure or coercion.
President Pezeshkian made the remarks Thursday during a meeting with Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, amid efforts to restore stability and strengthen bilateral cooperation following recent developments.
The Iranian president said recent developments were painful, but stressed that Iran and Qatar remain friendly countries and can resolve differences through mutual understanding. He expressed appreciation for Qatar and Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani’s efforts to mediate and promote peace and calm in the region.
President Pezeshkian said the United States and the Israeli regime do not seek regional stability, arguing that the war had delayed the implementation of planned agreements and projects between Iran and Qatar. He said the conflict had also hindered efforts to deepen bilateral relations.
The president also stressed that Iran does not seek war or an expansion of hostilities, saying the conflict was imposed on Iran and its continuation would harm the country, the region and the world. He called for agreements to be implemented as planned and disputes to be addressed through dialogue rather than military confrontation.
He described US attacks on Iran as contrary to the principles of international law, saying Iranian officials, commanders, students and civilians had been targeted. Iran has not sought war, does not seek war, and will never seek war, but it will not submit to coercion, he said.
President Pezeshkian thanked Qatar, Pakistan, Oman and other countries for their efforts to promote peace and security, and invited Qatar’s emir to visit Iran, saying such a trip could help resolve differences. He also expressed appreciation for Qatar’s assistance concerning Iranian pilots.
For his part, the prime minister said President Pezeshkian enjoys a special position with the emir, describing the Iranian president as a brother. He said Qatar wants to restore stability and sees Iran’s efforts to promote regional security closely.
The Qatari official also said the war was imposed on the region from outside, while its costs are being borne by all countries. He stressed that force and threats are not solutions and called for diplomacy, reason and talks to restore stability, security and economic calm.
He said Qatar would continue consultations with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and support efforts to implement understandings. Sheikh Mohammed added that Doha was ready to expand cooperation with Iran, particularly in electricity and energy.
He said the coming days would be busy and demanding and that Qatar’s team would begin efforts soon, expressing hope that diplomacy would produce practical solutions and restore regional stability.