Why it matters:
Pezeshkian’s tone strikes a dual message—openness to negotiation but no tolerance for coercion. The speech underscores Iran’s resistance posture, especially as the country fends off renewed pressure from Washington and rejects claims of secret U.S. diplomatic overtures.
The big picture:
Pezeshkian’s comments follow a claim by U.S. President Donald Trump, who alleged Iran had received a proposal from his administration and warned Tehran to respond urgently.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi quickly denied any formal communication, calling the U.S. messaging “confusing and contradictory.”
Araghchi reiterated Iran’s position: "Respect our rights and lift the sanctions, and we have a deal."
What he's saying:
“We negotiate, but we do not fear threats,” the Iranian president said, adding, “We will not back down from our rights due to intimidation, nor will we give up our hard-earned achievements in any field.”
“They assassinate our scientists and call us terrorists. We are the victims of terrorism. Because we refuse to bow to bullying, they label us a threat to regional security,” Added Pezeshkian.
“Trump talks about peace on one hand and about building destructive weapons on the other. Which message should we believe—peace or mass killing?”
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