Iran Will Never Accept US Bullying or Pressure: President Masoud Pezeshkian

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has stated that Iran firmly rejects any form of threats and will never submit to US “bullying,” emphasizing that dialogue is only possible under international law and mutual respect.

In a phone call with Iraqi prime minister-designate Ali Faleh al-Zaidi, Pezeshkian discussed regional tensions following what he described as US-Israeli aggression against Iran.

He said, “The Islamic Republic of Iran is ready for any dialogue within the framework of international law, but based on its faith, belief, and conviction, it has not submitted and will never submit to coercion in any way. If they speak to us logically, dialogue is possible, but the language of threats and bullying will not lead anywhere.”

The remarks come amid renewed tensions following a recent escalation of strikes on Iran by the United States and Israel, and Iran’s subsequent missile and drone responses targeting Israeli-occupied territories and US interests in the region.

Although a temporary ceasefire brokered earlier brought brief calm, negotiations reportedly stalled due to disagreements over US demands and conditions.

Despite the ceasefire framework, US President Donald Trump has continued issuing warnings and maintaining pressure on Iran, including maritime restrictions in the Persian Gulf, which Tehran has called illegal and equivalent to piracy.

Pezeshkian also stressed Iran’s desire for peaceful relations with neighboring Gulf states, saying Tehran does not seek conflict but highlighted past attacks allegedly launched from regional US bases.

He called for Muslim unity and regional cooperation, stating that stability can only be achieved through fairness and mutual respect.

The Iranian president also reaffirmed strong bilateral relations with Iraq, while Iraqi officials expressed willingness to strengthen cooperation in political, economic, and security areas and potentially host future negotiations between Iran and the United States.

Meanwhile, regional security tensions remain high, including drone strikes targeting anti-Iran groups in northern Iraq, which Tehran accuses of operating with foreign backing.

Iran maintains that these groups have carried out attacks against its security forces and continues to label them as terrorist organizations.