Iran: To Chart Own Path If US Refuses to Negotiate on Equal Footing

By Staff, Agencies

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian confirmed that while Iran is prepared to reach an agreement with the United States within a defined framework that protects its national interests, it will “chart its own path” if Washington refuses to negotiate on “equal footing.”

Pezeshkian made the remarks while addressing the second meeting of governors from across the country in Tehran on Monday, after Iran and the US held two rounds of indirect nuclear talks in Muscat and Rome.

"In negotiations with the US, we are ready to reach an agreement within the established framework as long as national interests are observed,” he said, warning that “if the US refrains from negotiating with Iran on an equal footing, Tehran will continue its own path.”

As declared by The Leader of the Islamic Revolution His Eminence Imam Sayyed Ali Khamenei, “we are neither optimistic, nor pessimistic” about the talks, the Iranian president reiterated.

Pezeshkian emphasized that his administration has always sought to promote political, economic, scientific, and cultural relations with other countries, particularly the neighboring and Muslim states.

“We are pursuing constructive interaction with other countries based on mutual respect,” he said, pointing out that Tehran does not seek to engage in any conflict with other countries, “but will not accept force and bullying.”

Pezeshkian added that the enemy has assassinated Iranian scientific, cultural, religious, and academic elites in an effort to inflict harm on the nation.

“However, Iranians can develop the country by relying on their own capabilities,” the Iranian president stated.