Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said the Strait of Hormuz issue can be resolved through dialogue and regional cooperation, stressing that Iran will not surrender to pressure or threats.
In an interview with Al Jazeera during his visit to New York, President Pezeshkian said Iran remains open to negotiations with the United States but lacks trust because previous agreements were not honored and military action followed talks.
He said indirect contacts with Washington were continuing through mediators including Qatar and Pakistan, with the sides having reached an understanding on a framework for negotiations. He called on the US to clarify whether it was prepared to engage within that framework.
Addressing the Strait of Hormuz, President Pezeshkian said Iran did not initiate restrictions on the waterway. He argued that if disputes were resolved through dialogue, the strait could remain open to free trade, while saying it should not be used to transport weapons and military equipment for regional conflict.
The president also rejected the idea that the region needs an external security guarantor, saying Arab and other Muslim countries around the Persian Gulf could cooperate to maintain regional security. He described Iran’s relations with Muslim countries as brotherly and said Tehran was prepared to help resolve disputes, including tensions involving Yemen.
On Iran’s economic situation, the president said sanctions had created serious difficulties but would not force the country to surrender. He said Iran would overcome its problems despite sanctions, adding that if existing routes were blocked, the country would seek or create alternatives.
President Pezeshkian also discussed Iran’s relations with China and Russia, saying both countries had provided political support and that Tehran maintained economic ties with them.
Regarding regional conflicts, he said Iran was not fighting alongside Yemen’s Houthi movement and described Tehran’s position as sympathy with people facing injustice. He said Iran was ready to help Saudi Arabia and Yemen resolve their differences through dialogue.
The president called for greater unity among Muslim countries, arguing that cooperation could prevent external powers from exploiting divisions in the region. He said Saudi Arabia and Mecca could serve as a center and symbol of Muslim unity.
President Pezeshkian also rejected allegations of divisions between Iran’s political and military institutions, saying state bodies had coordinated over negotiations and national policy. He said Iran’s political system separates policymaking, legislation and executive responsibilities while maintaining coordination.
Asked about a possible meeting with US President Donald Trump, President Pezeshkian questioned the value of talks without confidence that agreements would be implemented.
He said Iran had not sought war and would respond to attacks, while emphasizing that Tehran wanted regional countries to live in peace, develop their economies and cooperate for security.
On Syria, President Pezeshkian said Iran currently had limited relations with the new Syrian government but hoped it would act according to Islamic principles, justice and fairness.
President Pezeshkian said Iran is a victim of terrorism, referring to attacks on officials, commanders, scientists and civilians. He criticized double standards in relations, arguing that countries should not allow their territory or airspace to be used for attacks on others.
He said Tehran does not seek confrontation with neighbors and urged Muslim states to resolve disagreements themselves rather than allowing powers to deepen divisions.
He also said Iran’s position on Palestine and Gaza was based on support for oppressed people and opposition to attacks on civilians.