Pezeshkian Leaves Door Open for Talks With US: 'Not Surrender'
RastinewsIranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has left the door open to possible negotiations with the United States. Saying that "negotiation does not mean surrender," Pezeshkian said Tehran's goal was to end the war, lift the siege and release blocked resources.
Pezeshkian made the remarks on a potential war and negotiations with the US at a gathering in Tehran titled "Today's Women, Tomorrow's Iran."
He said Iran would defend its territorial integrity against attacks but did not see war as a goal, adding that his country would not compromise on its interests during any negotiation process.
"We are at the peak of our strength. We will move forward step by step on the path of negotiation, safeguarding our wisdom, dignity and interests," Pezeshkian said.
Listing the priorities for negotiations, Pezeshkian said: "Our goal was to end the war, lift the siege, release blocked resources, and then move on to nuclear talks."
Pezeshkian stressed that sitting down with the US does not amount to surrender, pointing to China as an example of a country that has asserted its power through economic competition.
Pezeshkian also emphasized the protection of the country, service to the public and national unity, saying the support shown by the Iranian people during difficult times had been important.