Iranian president says strengthening regional partnerships "foreign policy priority"

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has outlined a renewed emphasis on strengthening ties with neighbouring states as a cornerstone of his administration’s foreign policy.

During an unannounced visit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on July 26, Pezeshkian stressed the importance of deepening cooperation with regional countries, including Türkiye, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and the Persian Gulf nations, Caliber.Az reports per Iranian media.

He urged Iranian diplomats to adopt a more assertive and proactive approach in pursuing this regional agenda.

Pezeshkian cited remarks by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, underscoring the dual necessity of diplomatic engagement and national defence. “Peace is preferable to war,” the president said, noting that stability in the region can only be secured through active diplomacy.

The president also condemned what he described as double standards in the international community’s response to recent events in Gaza and the reported Israeli targeting of Evin Prison in Tehran.

He criticised Western governments and human rights bodies for what he called their silence or implicit support for Israeli military actions, calling such responses “shameful”.

Touching on domestic affairs, Pezeshkian said his government would continue working to improve communication with citizens and respond to public grievances. He also praised the Foreign Ministry staff for their continuous efforts to represent Iran’s interests abroad.

Referring to recent Israeli military operations, the president noted that while international condemnation was widespread, bodies like the UN Security Council had failed to take meaningful action.

He described the Israeli offensive as a violation of international law and lamented what he saw as selective enforcement by global powers.

Looking ahead, Pezeshkian said Iran will continue building relations with members of BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, and the Eurasian Economic Union. He reiterated that future diplomatic engagement will be guided by “wisdom, dignity and expediency,” particularly with key partners such as Russia and China.

By Aghakazim Guliyev