Iran Will Never Succumb to Coercion, President Says
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The president of Iran described the return of sanctions as unwelcome but said that it is not the end of the road for the country and that the Islamic Republic it will never succumb to coercion.
Masoud Pezeshkian made the remarks in a statement during a meeting with anti-war activists on the sidelines of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in New York on Wednesday,.
He emphasized that meaningful dialogue can only take place on equal terms, free from intimidation.
The president also condemned the recent Israeli attack on Qatar, which occurred during a ceasefire proposal meeting, stating that it reflects a blatant disregard for human rights.
He pointed out that many countries now recognize that the source of insecurity in the region is not Iran, but rather the Israeli regime.
He criticized international organizations for their inaction against Israeli crimes, noting that these acts are often supported by the United States and some Western nations, the president’s official website reported.
Reflecting on the historical enmity between the US and Iran since the victory of the Islamic Revolution, Pezeshkian remarked that the US has consistently sought to create problems for Iran and instigate conflict in the region. While he reiterated that Iran does not desire war, he affirmed that any aggression will be met with a decisive response.
Pezeshkian recalled how the 12-day war imposed by the Israeli regime led to greater unity and cohesion within Iranian society. He criticized the inability of international bodies to confront the atrocities committed by the Israeli regime, questioning the silence of the global conscience in the face of the killing of innocent civilians in Gaza.
He welcomed public diplomacy and communication between the Iranian and American peoples but noted that the US administration obstructs such relations. He pointed out that while negotiations were ongoing, the Israeli regime attacked Iran with the support of the US. He questioned the legitimacy of such actions under international law and emphasized that Iran will find ways to navigate through challenges, especially given its growing bilateral relations with neighbors and its membership in organizations like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the BRICS group, and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).
During the meeting, anti-war activists voiced their perspectives, criticizing the unrealistic statements made by some leaders, particularly US President Donald Trump, at the United Nations General Assembly, emphasizing justice as a pathway to genuine peace, and advocating for direct dialogue between Iran and the US to resolve issues. They also highlighted the importance of enhancing public diplomacy to counteract false media narratives about Iran and called for effective deterrent measures to halt Israeli aggression against the people of Gaza.
