Pezeshkian tells Putin deal possible if US respects int’l law
President Masoud Pezeshkian told Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Sunday that clinching an agreement was not out of reach if the United States adhered to international legal frameworks.
In a phone call, Pezeshkian said the “biggest obstacle” to achieving a fair deal in Iran-US negotiations mediated by Pakistan was the presence of “double standards and the hegemonic approach of the American side.”
The call came hours after Tehran and Washington failed to reach an agreement to permanently end the war launched jointly by the United States and Israel against Iran on February 28.
Pezeshkian said Iran remained fully prepared to reach a “balanced and fair agreement that ensures lasting peace and security in the region.”
While describing Persian Gulf Arab countries as “Iran’s brothers”, he criticized them for allowing the United States to use military bases and facilities on their territory to carry out attacks against Iran.
“Iran is ready to engage and cooperate with its neighbors to achieve endogenous regional peace and security without the presence and interference of extra-regional countries,” he added.
The president also praised Russia’s support and principled stance in defending Iran’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity, particularly its “responsible decision” to oppose an anti-Iran resolution at the United Nations Security Council last week, which he described as a valuable step in preventing further escalation.
Putin, for his part, stressed Russia’s backing for diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis politically and said Moscow was ready to use its capacities to help find a political and diplomatic solution, while keeping up contacts and consultations.
He censured Western positions and double standards and called for respect for Iran’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Putin also underlined what he described as Iran’s legitimate positions, including compensation for damages caused by the military attacks and the need for long-term security guarantees to prevent any repeat of aggression.