Iran's Pezeshkian Says Tehran Will Defend Itself While Remaining Open to Dialogue

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran would continue defending itself while remaining open to dialogue with the United States, according to remarks reported by Iran's official IRNA news agency.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian says Iran remains open to dialogue with the United States while defending itself against continued pressure. [Photo: khameni.ir]

Pezeshkian said Iran had not abandoned diplomacy despite repeated attacks and continued tensions with Washington.

“We defend the rights of our society with dignity and pride, and we have never run away from dialogue and will not do so,” he said, according to IRNA.

Pezeshkian also accused the United States of attacking Iran despite an agreement between the two countries. He said Iran's enemies had expected the country to collapse following the killing of Iran's supreme leader, but argued that national unity had instead strengthened.

The remarks came amid continuing tensions following the collapse of a cease-fire between Iran and the United States.

Tehran has accused Washington of violating the agreement by maintaining its naval blockade, while the United States has continued to apply military and economic pressure on Iran.

Pezeshkian said Iran would not accept attempts to force the country into submission through military pressure or attacks.

His comments reflected Tehran's stated position that diplomacy remains possible while Iran continues to resist US pressure. The remarks were made as fighting, sanctions and disruptions to regional energy and shipping markets continued.