On diplomatic mission to garner support
Iran not seeking war but will defend itself: Pezeshkian
On a diplomatic flurry over the phone, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian made known the stance of the Islamic Republic, stressing that it has never sought war and bloodshed but will by no means hesitate to powerfully defend itself against the enemies’ threats.
Pezeshkian made these remarks in a phone conversation with his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, on Saturday when the two sides discussed the concomitance of Israeli aggression on the country and the process of indirect talks with the US on the Islamic Republic’s peaceful nuclear program.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran has never sought war and bloodshed, but it does not doubt its vigorous self-defense. Our preference has always been to resolve issues through diplomatic means, but the idea that the Islamic Republic of Iran would accept unreasonable demands and double standards under pressure, or sit at the negotiating table while the Zionist regime’s attacks continue, is a false notion,” Pezeshkian said.
“Americans have always emphasized during negotiations that the Zionist regime would not commit any aggression without their coordination and permission. Therefore, it is clear that the current attacks are carried out with American coordination and green light,” he added.
Pointing to Iran’s nuclear program, the president reiterated that the Islamic Republic has no intention of acquiring nuclear weapons as the measure is contrary to its ideological principles and the religious decree of the Leader of Iran’s Islamic Revolution.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran has always been ready to reach an understanding and agreement through dialogue and interaction, but unfortunately, instead of accepting our arguments, the world powers accepted the lies of a regime that seeks to destabilize the region,” Pezeshkian said.
Macron, for his part, expressed France’s readiness to play a more active role in resolving the Iran-US nuclear issue, hoping that recent developments would not adversely affect the cooperation and relationship between Iran and France.
The French president also underlined that Paris was not informed about Israel’s plans to attack Iran and did not participate in the aggression.
‘Israeli attacks attest to its aggressive nature’
The Iranian president also held a phone conversation with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Saturday, stressing that since taking office, he has aimed to promote peace, stability, and security in the region, but the Israeli regime has consistently disrupted and obstructed Iranian efforts for progress.
“The recent strikes by the Zionist regime on Iran are clear evidence of its aggressive nature,” he said.
The Saudi Crown Prince condemned the Israel regime’s actions against Iran and expressed condolences to the Iranian government and people for the martyrdom of dozens of Iranians in the recent attacks.
Bin Salman affirmed that Saudi Arabia stands in solidarity with its brothers in Iran, stressing that the entire Islamic world is united in its support for the Iranian people.
Imposing demands via pressure ‘failed US policy’
In another phone call, Pezeshkian told the Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, that the United States is supporting Israel’s attacks against the Islamic Republic and thinks that it can impose its demands on Tehran through pressure.
“I am confident that solidarity and coordination among Islamic countries can bring the Zionist regime to its knees and put an end to its aggression, especially against the innocent people of Gaza,” Pezeshkian said.
The Emir of Qatar, for his part, strongly condemned “this cowardly act of aggression” and believes that “the Islamic Republic of Iran reserves the right to respond”.
Iraq lodges formal complaint against Israel at UNSC
Talking to the Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani over the phone, President Pezeshkian condemned the violation of Iraqi airspace by the Zionist regime to conduct airstrikes on Iran, describing it as a clear indication of the regime’s criminal behavior and lack of respect for international law.
Pezeshkian called on every country that values peace, stability, and security to oppose the regime's hostile actions. He also urged the Iraqi government to take measures to protect its airspace and prevent its territory from being exploited by adversaries.
In response, Prime Minister Al-Sudani extended his condolences for the loss of commanders and civilians due to the Zionist attacks. He reiterated Iraq's support for Iran, categorically condemning the aggression at all levels.
He also pointed out that the Iraqi government has lodged a formal complaint with the UN Security Council regarding the use of its airspace for attacks on Iran.
The prime minister concluded by assuring that the Iraqi government would allocate all necessary resources to support Iran and would intensify efforts to control its borders and airspace.
Calling on Islamic leaders to foil Israel’s plots
Leaders of Islamic countries can cooperate to foil the Zionist regime’s plots, Pezeshkian said.
The president made the remarks in a phone call with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday, expressing gratitude to him for the call as well as his solidarity with the people and government of Iran.
He added that the Zionist regime has sought to derail his diplomatic efforts from early on by assassinating Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on his inaugural day.
Erdogan, for his part, condemned the aggression, stating that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seeks to fuel tensions across the region and that his actions are a clear violation of international law and regulations.
One of Israel’s goals behind attacks on Iran was to divert the public attention from the regime’s atrocities in Gaza, Erdogan added.
He expressed support for Iran, noting that Turkey is ready to take every measure to put pressure on the Zionist regime to end the current situation.
‘War has rules, but Israel violates them all’
In another phone conversation with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday, President Pezeshkian expressed gratitude to the Pakistani government’s stance at a Friday night UN Security Council meeting on the Zionist regime’s aggression against Iran.
The Zionist regime violates all international regulations with the support of the United States and Western countries, the president said, adding that war has its own rules, but the regime violates them due to such backing.
In response, Sharif emphasized Pakistan’s support for Iran, noting that the Zionist regime commits all these crimes with impunity, which violates the UN Charter and international regulations.