Snippets from President Pezeshkian’s first press conference since taking office

By Alireza Hashemi

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian held his first press conference since taking office on Monday, addressing key domestic issues and outlining his foreign policy agenda.

The two-and-a-half-hour session, attended by approximately 300 Iranian and foreign journalists, was marked by a conciliatory tone and a commitment to strengthening ties with the international community.

The newly-elected president also expressed Iran’s readiness to resume negotiations with the West but stressed that the country will not allow itself to be bullied.

Here are the snippets from the press conference with a focus on foreign policy issues:

Domestic unity

President Pezeshkian emphasized the need for domestic unity in the Islamic Republic to achieve important national goals, asserting that fostering social cohesion will enhance the country's resilience against sanctions and external threats.

Muslim unity

President Pezeshkian highlighted the importance of unity among Muslim countries, particularly those in the neighborhood. Citing the Holy Quran, he noted that all Muslims are brothers and should foster relationships that inspire awe among other nations.

He lamented that while European countries have opened their borders and share a common currency, Islamic nations continue to build walls between themselves.

Saudi Arabia

Regarding Iran’s relationship with Saudi Arabia, President Pezeshkian stated that as brotherly nations, Tehran and Riyadh must expand their ties. He also informed that he has invited Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman to visit Iran and expressed his willingness to reciprocate.

Pezeshkian: Iran ready to negotiate, will never bow to bullying

President Pezeshkian was addressing Iranian and foreign reporters during his first press conference since August.

Egypt

On Iran’s relations with Egypt, President Pezeshkian said his government will initiate contacts with Egyptian officials as soon as possible and noted that he welcomes relations with the “friendly and brotherly” country of Egypt. He also expressed readiness to enhance ties with Jordan.

Iraq

Just back from his first foreign trip to Iraq, President Pezeshkian referred to the two nations as old friends and brothers. He warned that the US seeks to divide the two nations and cautioned against foreign-backed armed groups that foment insecurity in border areas.

Turkey

President Pezeshkian expressed his administration’s readiness to strengthen ties with Turkey and batted for easier travel between regional countries. He said he plans to visit Turkey to attract investors and enhance academic exchanges between the two countries.

China

President Pezeshkian said the Islamic Republic is committed to implementing the 25-year cooperation agreement with China that came to fruition during President Raeisi’s government. The Iranian president said it will facilitate access to Chinese markets by reviving the Silk Road.

Russia

Acknowledging Russia's support amid Western sanctions, President Pezeshkian said Iran seeks to foster closer ties with Moscow. He stated that even if tensions with the West are eased, Iran will not forget Russia's assistance. He stressed that the ongoing war in Ukraine was the result of US-led NATO's expansionist policies.

Foreign investments

President Pezeshkian highlighted the need for substantial foreign investments to achieve the desired growth rate as outlined in Iran's 20-year vision document.

He emphasized that resolving issues related to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is crucial to achieving economic goals and said he would discuss the FATF matters with the Expediency Discernment Council.

Sanctions removal

Iranian president vowed to work toward lifting illegal sanctions, asserting that Iran has fulfilled its obligations under the JCPOA while other parties have failed to do so. He emphasized that for the revival of the nuclear deal, it is up to other parties to return to full compliance.

Nuclear technology

President Pezeshkian reiterated that Iran does not seek nuclear weapons but needs nuclear technology for scientific progress. At the same time, he slammed Western demands for Iran to remain defenseless against threats from Israel, asserting that Iran will not be intimidated by such saber-rattling.

United States

President Pezeshkian affirmed that he is open to dialogue with the US if it respects Iran’s rights, calling on Washington to prove its trustworthiness and demonstrate it is not an enemy of Iran.

He criticized the West for responding to Iran’s calls for dialogue with sanctions, stressing that this approach benefits neither Iran nor Europe or the rest of the world.

UN General Assembly 2024

President Pezeshkian said he intends to attend this year’s UN General Assembly in New York, where he will defend Iranian rights and demonstrate Iran's preference for peace over war.

Haniyeh assassination

President Pezeshkian strongly condemned Israel's assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, who was targeted by the Israeli regime a day after attending Pezeshkian’s swearing-in ceremony in Tehran.

Pezeshkian said the Tel Aviv regime seeks to drag the region into war and noted that Western countries have armed the regime extensively while warning Iran of potential Israeli attacks.

He reaffirmed Iran's right to retaliate against the Israeli regime over Haniyeh’s assassination.

Yemen’s missile attack on Israel

Responding to Western claims that Iran provided Yemen with the hypersonic ballistic missile recently fired at Israeli-occupied territories from the Yemeni territory, he clarified that it is very difficult to send anything to the Arab country.

He stated that the technology used in Yemen has been developed indigenously and has nothing to do with Iran. However, he emphasized that Iran and Yemen share a common stance against the Israeli regime and a common view on regional affairs.

Gaza ceasefire efforts

President Pezeshkian highlighted Iran’s diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the ongoing genocidal war on Gaza, which has so far claimed the lives of more than 41,200 people.

He criticized Western officials for failing to end the Israeli genocidal aggression despite making claims of ceasefire agreements. The Iranian president said if Muslim countries were united, they could effectively pressure Israel into ceasing its aggression against Palestinians.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk