Iran’s Pezeshkian: "We believe in negotiation, but not in humiliation"

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has said his administration supports diplomacy but will not yield to pressure, reaffirming Tehran’s stance on nuclear negotiations while calling on the United States to demonstrate genuine intent.

Speaking at a meeting with representatives of political parties and popular associations on April 7, Pezeshkian said: “We believe in negotiation, but we will not negotiate at any cost,” Caliber.Az reports, citing Iranian media.

He stressed that Iran’s objectives were rooted in dialogue, not confrontation. “We are not looking for war, tension, or nuclear bombs; we are looking for negotiations,” he continued.

The president also urged Washington to match Tehran’s willingness to engage in talks. “The Americans must also prove that they are looking for negotiations.”

Iran has long denied seeking nuclear weapons, insisting its programme is for peaceful purposes. Pezeshkian pointed to religious doctrine to reinforce that position, stating: “The fact that Iran does not intend to use its nuclear capabilities for non-peaceful purposes is not just what we say, but rather it is a religious fatwa (Islamic law ruling) from the Leader of the (Islamic) Revolution.” 

To recall, ​U.S.-Iran relations have experienced significant tensions in recent months, primarily due to Iran's nuclear activities and regional influence. In February 2025, the International Atomic Energy Agency reported that Iran had accumulated 274.8 kilograms of uranium enriched up to 60%, nearing weapons-grade levels.

This escalation coincided with the re-election of President Donald Trump, who reinstated a "maximum pressure" policy on Iran, reimposing sanctions and expressing determination to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. 

In response to U.S. military buildups in the region, including the deployment of B-2 bombers and Patriot missile systems, Iran heightened its military alert and warned neighboring countries against assisting any potential U.S. military actions, labeling such support as acts of hostility. 

By Aghakazim Guliyev