Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian has said Tehran is prepared to pursue dialogue to protect its national interests but will not accept demands that undermine its sovereignty or defensive capabilities, IRNA reported.
In an address to the Iranian public, Pezeshkian stressed improved relations with neighbouring countries and the need to prevent regional divisions, the report said.
The president rejected claims that his administration had pressured the country’s leadership into accepting negotiations.
Pezeshkian stressed that Iran regarded Muslim countries as brothers and questioned why Muslim states should become involved in conflict with one another, IRNA reported.
He warned that the US and Israel sought to bring Persian Gulf countries together against Iran, while Tehran worked to prevent it.
Tehran would not accept dismantling Iran’s military and defence capabilities, while pursuing dialogue when it protected national interests.
