Pezeshkian rejects US pressure, lauds strong ties with Russia and China

Iran’s President-elect emphasises sovereignty, foreign engagement and pledges support for Ukraine peace efforts

TEHRAN:

Iran's President-elect Masoud Pezeshkian asserted that the United States should recognise Iran's resilience against pressure. In a statement published on Saturday, he highlighted the importance of Iran’s friendship with China and Russia.

Pezeshkian, a relative moderate who recently defeated a hardline rival in the election, reiterated that Iran does not seek nuclear weapons. He added that Tehran would expand ties with neighbours and engage with Europe.

"The United States needs to recognise the reality and understand, once and for all, that Iran does not — and will not — respond to pressure and that Iran’s defence doctrine does not include nuclear weapons," Pezeshkian stated in "My message to the new world," published in the daily Tehran Times.

He praised China and Russia for their consistent support during challenging times, emphasising the value of these friendships.

"Russia is a valued strategic ally and neighbour to Iran, and my administration will remain committed to expanding and enhancing our cooperation," Pezeshkian said, adding that Tehran would actively support initiatives aimed at ending the conflict in Ukraine.

"The Iranian people have entrusted me with a strong mandate to vigorously pursue constructive engagement on the international stage while insisting on our rights, our dignity, and our deserved role in the region and the world," he continued.

Pezeshkian extended an open invitation to those willing to join Iran in this historic endeavour.

The 69-year-old heart surgeon has pledged to promote a pragmatic foreign policy, ease tensions over now-stalled negotiations with major powers to revive the 2015 nuclear pact, and improve prospects for social liberalisation and political pluralism.