TEHRAN In an address delivered Wednesday in Bushehr, southern Iran, President Masoud Pezeshkian reaffirmed Irans commitment to peaceful relations while defiantly rejecting foreign coercion.We seek conflict with no nation, he declared, stressing Tehrans pursuit of fraternal ties with all neighbors, whom he called brothers, sisters, and partners in the region.Pezeshkians remarks included a sharp condemnation of United States policies, particularly targeting President Donald Trumps provocative characterization of Iran and accusations of regional destabilization.It is the United States that sows chaos by arming Israel to massacre Palestinians in Gaza, he asserted, denouncing Washingtons decades-long military support for the Tel Aviv regime.The president also criticized United States demands for Iran to limit its defense capabilities.They demand we abandon our missiles so Israel can bomb us without consequence, just as it devastated Gaza, he argued, adding such pressure is a threat to Irans sovereignty.Pezeshkian further lambasted Washingtons contradictory stance on diplomacy.He pointed out that the United States has shut every door to talks through punitive sanctions intended to strangle Irans resilience.The president questioned the sincerity of United States overtures: If America truly wants negotiations, why does it sabotage every opportunity for peace?By what right do they occupy our region, assassinate our people, and then preach to us about security? Pezeshkian added, condemning Washingtons hypocritical portrayal of Iran as a menace.
The speech followed Trumps recent signing of a National Security Presidential Memorandum (NSPM) reinstating the maximum pressure campaign against Tehran, which seeks to intensify economic sanctions and halt Irans oil exports.Trump accompanied the move with a warning that any retaliation or threat against him would result in Iran being obliterated.
A few days later, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei rejected negotiations with the United States , calling such talks neither prudent, wise, nor honorable given Trumps confrontational approach and Irans past experiences.He also highlighted Washingtons history of reneging on agreements, notably its 2018 withdrawal from the JCPOA nuclear deal, which exacerbated regional tensions.Our strength lies not in submission, but in dignity and self-reliance, Pezeshkian remarked.