Pezeshkian: No talks under pressure or bullying
4 Min Read
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian affirmed Tehran’s openness to nuclear talks grounded in mutual respect, while rejecting pressure and double standards from major powers.
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In this photo released by the Iranian Presidency Office, President Masoud Pezeshkian steps out of his plane as he arrives at Muscat, Oman, on May 27, 2025. (Iranian Presidency Office via AP)
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to its nuclear program on Tuesday, stating that the country "will not compromise" on its nuclear rights under any circumstances. His remarks came during a ceremony marking the 36th anniversary of the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, founder of the Islamic Republic.
Speaking at Imam Khomeini’s mausoleum in southern Tehran, Pezeshkian declared, "If we listen to Imam Khomeini's words and follow his path, no power can bring us to our knees." Referring to ongoing negotiations with the United States, he rejected Western demands, "They tell us we have no right to enrich uranium, but no freedom-seeking person will accept bullying."
Pezeshkian also emphasized unity among Muslim nations, warning against foreign plots to sow division. "Muslims can end the Zionist regime's crimes in occupied Palestine through unity," he said, aligning his message with Khomeini’s call for Islamic solidarity.
Addressing domestic concerns, the president urged Iranians to resist ethnic and sectarian discord. "We are not seeking nuclear weapons, and we will not stand against our brothers and sisters in Islamic countries," he added, asserting that national unity is key to overcoming internal challenges.
Ayatollah Khomeini, who led the 1979 Islamic Revolution, passed away on June 3, 1989. His legacy continues to shape Iran’s political and ideological landscape more than three decades later.
Pezeshkian: We refuse to engage in talks under pressure or bullying
On another note, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reiterated that Iran is open to negotiations regarding its nuclear program but refuses to engage in talks under pressure or bullying.
Pezeshkian said on Tuesday that "We have welcomed negotiations and continue to do so, but the foundation of any discussion must be mutual respect, without one side imposing its will on the other," while receiving the credentials of New Zealand’s new ambassador to Tehran, Bethany Madden.
His remarks were in response to the envoy expressing hope that ongoing nuclear talks between Iran and the United States would yield positive results.
Pezeshkian criticized a double-standard approach by major powers regarding Iran and "Israel", accusing them of obstructing the progress of other nations through intimidation.
"It is completely unacceptable for a regime to commit crimes in the region with the support of powerful countries, while efforts are made to portray others as threats to regional peace and security, creating an excuse to impose their demands," the president said.
He underscored Iran’s long-standing position that it does not seek to develop a nuclear weapon, adding that the Islamic Republic remains fully prepared to cooperate in proving the peaceful nature of its nuclear program.
On a related note, Pezeshkian stated on May 18 that a nuclear agreement with the United States is achievable, provided that Washington halts its policy of pressure and coercion toward Tehran.
Expansion of foreign cooperation strengthens Iran
Pezeshkian also received the credentials of Vietnam’s new ambassador to Tehran, Nguyen Luong Ngoc, on Tuesday, emphasizing the growing need for international relations based on mutual respect for rights and interests, saying that ambassadors play a key role in promoting friendly ties between nations.
He wished the new ambassador success and said Iran is ready to exchange experiences and achievements with Vietnam in various sectors.
In another meeting on Tuesday, Pezeshkian welcomed Iran’s newly appointed ambassadors to China, Azerbaijan, Ivory Coast, Mexico, Cuba, and Uruguay. He highlighted that expanding cooperation with other countries strengthens Iran against external pressures and praised Iranian diplomats for their efforts in developing international partnerships.
Pezeshkian expressed optimism about Iran’s growing relations with the six nations, adding that "Iran and China have numerous opportunities to enhance cooperation, while Tehran’s relations with Azerbaijan have significantly improved following my recent visit to the country."
He said that Iran is actively working to strengthen ties with African and Latin American nations.
