US Must Decide Whether It Wants to End the Conflict, Says Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian
NEW YORK : Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has declared Tehran is open to diplomatic solutions, saying that if there is any war, it can be stopped with dialogue instead of war and it is the responsibility of the United States.
President Pezeshkian was interviewed by Fox News on a wide range of topics, including regional stability, international relations and the roots of the current tensions in the Middle East.
“War Was Imposed Upon Us Without Legal Justification”
When asked about the geopolitical crisis, the Iranian leader made it abundantly clear that Iran didn’t start the conflict: “We did not seek war; war was forced upon us. We were attacked without any legal basis or international rule, and mainly by provocation from Israel.
Turning to wider issues of diplomacy, President Pezeshkian reiterated Tehran’s positive approach to the regional frameworks, saying Iran was ready to take the next step in the Islamabad Memorandum irrespective of election schedules. “When issues can be resolved through dialogue, why should we fight? He said the U.S. has to “make a choice” on the war.
Explain the economic pressures, Houthis’ independence and nuclear stance.
President Pezeshkian also discussed important economic and strategic issues:
Economic Resilience: He said Iran is experiencing very tough economic conditions and financial limitations on funds movement, and will defend its economic survival tooth and nail.
Houthi Operations: Regional Groups “act independently”: Iranian President insisted the regional groups like the Houthis do not operate under Tehran’s command.
Nuclear enrichment: Pezeshkian emphasized that Iran is ready to accept nuclear issues within a reciprocal framework by reducing its enrichment activities.