Pezeshkian said Washington also prevented an understanding reached between Iran and France over lifting the snapback mechanism, arguing that European countries lack independent decision-making in major foreign-policy matters.
He said Iran did not start the recent war and that the support of the Iranian people disrupted the enemy’s calculations for the country’s collapse. “Today, Iran is continuing its path with greater power and unity,” he said.
The president said Iran was attacked from U.S. bases in regional countries and had no choice but to defend itself. He stressed that Iran does not seek to dominate or wage war against any country but will not submit to coercion and considers self-defense its natural right.
Pezeshkian praised Iran’s armed forces for a strong defense, saying their coordination with the government and support from the public had foiled the enemy’s calculations. He also rejected reports of divisions between the government and military, saying Iran remains united and that attempts to create internal divisions serve its adversaries.
On the ceasefire memorandum, Pezeshkian said Iran had made no concessions and would honor its commitments only as long as the other side does the same. He said the agreement was reached through full coordination and consensus within Iran’s Supreme National Security Council and with the armed forces.
Pezeshkian said the final agreement had initially been completed, with a plan for U.S. President Donald Trump to sign it to make withdrawal more difficult, but that the negotiations changed completely less than 24 hours later.
He said Iran prefers diplomacy whenever its rights can be secured through dialogue. “When we can obtain our rights through negotiations, why should we fight?” Pezeshkian said, adding that Iran would not surrender but had no reason to pursue war when diplomacy could achieve its objectives.
Hossein Vaez - H.Hakimzadeh
