Iran reserves right to self-defense against 'Israel': Pezeshkian
7 Min Read
During his first press conference since assuming office, the Iranian President says his country is coordinating with its partners to confront "Israel".
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Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian holds a press conference in Tehran on September 16, 2024. (AFP)
Yemenis are capable of manufacturing their own weapons, and Iran does not possess the type of hypersonic missile used by the Yemeni Armed Forces (YAF) during their attack on Tel Aviv, affirmed Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Monday.
"The West knows that Iran cannot send missiles to Yemen at all. We have missile power, but it is not possible for us to give missiles to Yemen," Pezeshkian said during his first press conference since assuming office, adding that the Yemenis had acquired the technology to manufacture and produce missiles before the start of the war.
He echoed his Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi's statements, in which he stressed that "accusing Iran of sending weapons to Yemen is an insult to the Yemeni nation because Yemen has the necessary technology and is able to strengthen its military power."
"Yemen is one of the important sides in the Axis of Resistance and has an unparalleled role in helping Gaza," Araghchi said in an interview with the Yemeni Al Masirah TV.
The top Iranian diplomat added that Yemen is a sovereign country and a decision-maker, and uses weapons in the way it sees fit.
Pezeshkian condemned on Monday the genocidal war waged by "Israel" in the Gaza Strip, denouncing the occupation entity for bombing schools and hospitals within the enclave.
He warned that human rights are at risk and that Iran is coordinating with its partners to confront "Israel", which is killing women and children in Gaza.
"We do not seek to possess nuclear weapons, but we will not yield to the pressure of enemies," he said, stressing, "We will not recognize Israel, which they have planted in the region and provided with all kinds of weapons."
"Whoever threatens us is mistaken," he stated, affirming, "If Israel attacks us, we will definitely attack back."
Furthermore, the Iranian President pointed out that by assassinating Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, "Israel" attempted to drag Iran into a regional war, underlining that the Islamic Republic reserves the right to respond to the Israeli aggression in a manner and at a time it deems appropriate.
The Iranian President stressed his country’s right to possess deterrent power against the enemy, affirming that Iran has never initiated wars but must strengthen its capabilities to protect itself and the region.
Pezeshkian reiterated that Iran does not seek to build a nuclear bomb but never accepts bullying too, accusing the United States of tearing apart the nuclear agreement.
"Iran remains committed to international principles," he added.
Iran will strive to reinforce connections with all Islamic countries
Pezeshkian emphasized the importance of enhancing relations among Islamic countries at various levels, calling for the abolishment of borders between neighboring countries, in line with Islam’s call for unity among Muslims.
"We will strive to reinforce our connections with all Islamic countries," he said, underscoring that "Muslim nations should prepare the ground for cooperation and investment."
"All Muslims are brothers; all Muslim countries should be able to interact with each other easily," he stressed.
In response to a question about the potential visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Tehran, Pezeshkian made it clear that he would welcome any initiative aimed at fostering closer ties between regional countries.
"Why should we not engage with each other? Why should we have differences? I personally welcome any move that brings us closer together," he said.
He also announced that he had extended an invitation to bin Salman to visit Iran, asserting that he would visit Saudi Arabia if the opportunity arose.
The Iranian leader reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening relations not only with Saudi Arabia but also with Egypt, Jordan, and other Islamic countries.
When asked about Tehran's relations with Ankara, Pezeshkian indicated that Turkey is a "friendly and brotherly nation" with which his government plans to pursue joint investments.
He also expressed his intention to visit the neighboring country in the near future and invite Turkish officials, investors, and academics to Iran.
Regarding relations with Iraq, which he recently visited, the Iranian President stated that the borders between Iran and Iraq are geographical and affirmed that the two nations were not enemies.
He also accused the United States of attempting to sow division between the two neighboring countries.
Iran-China partnership 'strategic'
Pezeshkian described Iran and China's partnership as "strategic", stressing the importance of implementing the 25-year joint agreement between the two nations.
"As the president, I am determined that what was written and was supposed to be implemented, we will investigate the reason for its non-implementation so that it can be implemented and implemented," he added.
In response to a question from Al Mayadeen, the Iranian President acknowledged China's mediation that led to the restoration of ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia as a crucial move toward enhancing regional solidarity.
Pezeshkian also stressed that Iran and Russia have the right to maintain their bilateral relations, denying that Tehran has provided any weapons to Moscow amid the war in Ukraine.
He added that "NATO countries have broken their promises not to come closer to Russian borders."
On domestic affairs
Discussing domestic affairs, Pezeshkian called for unity under the leadership of the Islamic Revolution, stressing the importance of leveraging the expertise of all, even critics.
He also highlighted the need for greater transparency in the Ministry of Finance to combat corruption and urged for the modernization of the country’s infrastructure in various cities.
The Iranian President also said his administration supports the initiative by the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Sayyed Ali Khamenei to establish free-thinking forums at universities.
He underlined that "it's not acceptable that people from underdeveloped areas cannot pursue higher education."
Pezeshkian stated that his government will collaborate with international partners to address issues related to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) to enhance Iran's foreign relations and achieve its long-term objectives.
"We have no choice but to resolve the FATF discussions. I will certainly write a letter to the Expediency Council to reactivate the FATF discussions so that we can find a solution," he indicated in response to inquiries about his plans to combat poverty, lift sanctions, and enhance Iran's economy.
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is a non-binding regulatory body established by the United States and its Western allies, to allegedly "combat terrorism" financing and protect the international financial system.
Elsewhere, Pezeshkian stated that his administration will try to attract foreign investment and strengthen economic ties with neighboring countries and beyond.
"Iran needs to create a free market for foreign investment to come," he stressed.
