Pezeshkian: Iran's capability in defending itself at highest level

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has reaffirmed that the Islamic Republic seeks no war with any country, but is determined to defend itself against any aggression.

In a phone call on Thursday, Pezeshkian extended his congratulations to Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran has never pursued war or conflict,” Pezeshkian said in the phone conversation, stressing the peaceful nature of the country’s nuclear program.

“The non-peaceful use of nuclear energy has no place in our security and defense doctrine,” Pezeshkian said, as inspections carried out by the International Atomic Energy Agency have also verified the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear activities.

It is possible for the nuclear activities of the Islamic Republic of Iran to remain fully subject to verification, as they have been in previous years, added the president. 

He also expressed Iran's readiness to engage in dialogue, “based on mutual interest and respect” aimed at easing tensions over the program.

“We seek no war with any country, but will also not hesitate to defend ourselves. And our readiness and capability in this regard is at the highest level,” he emphasized.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Pezeshkian stressed that unity among Muslim countries will secure regional peace, security and progress, and prevent crimes committed against some nations, including Palestine.

“I am confident that Muslim nations, by cooperating with one another, can bring security and prosperity to the region in the best way.”

Araghchi says Iran ready for indirect talks, warns US threats will ‘complicate situation’

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has reiterated Tehran’s readiness to take part in indirect negotiations with the United States over its peaceful nuclear program.

For his part, Mohammed Bin Salman extended his felicitations to Pezeshkian on Eid al-Fitr, and appreciated the president’s efforts to promote unity among Muslim nations.

“I hope that we can make more achievements in the areas of stability, security and prosperity of the region by continuing to strengthen our cooperation,” the crown prince said.

Bin Salman also expressed Saudi Arabia’s readiness “to play a role in helping to resolve any tension or insecurity in the region.”

This comes as US President Donald Trump threatened over the weekend that he might order military strikes against Iran if Tehran refused to enter negotiations to “make a new deal” on its nuclear program.

During his first term in office, Trump withdrew the United States from a previous agreement on Iran’s nuclear program, officially called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and launched a maximum pressure campaign against the country.

Trump restored that policy after returning to the White House for a second term in January. 

On March 12, Trump sent a letter to Iran’s leadership, asking for negotiations to reach a new deal and threatening military action if Tehran refused.

Iran has ruled out direct negotiations with the US under pressure and threats but says indirect talks remain an option.

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