President Masoud Pezeshkian has declared that Tehran will not submit to coercion or allow foreign powers to impose their demands, insisting that Iran will defend its rights under international law.
Pezeshkian made the remarks on Tuesday during separate meetings with the newly appointed ambassadors of Portugal, Switzerland, Türkiye and Nigeria, who presented their credentials in Tehran.
Receiving Portuguese Ambassador Waltier Matias, Pezeshkian criticized misleading portrayals of Iran and its people in Western media, saying, “Many of the things published about Iran and our nation in Western media do not correspond to reality.”
“The Iranian nation is a peace-loving nation that has stood firm against the violent and criminal actions of certain powers that commit crimes under the pretext of defending human rights,” he said.
The president also denounced state terrorism and the targeting of scientists, schoolchildren and political leaders in the region by the US and the Israeli regime.
“Those responsible for these actions claim to be fighting terrorism while committing such crimes. This is one of the bitter realities of today's world that we are facing,” he said.
Pezeshkian stressed that Iran seeks peace, stability and a constructive role in regional and international affairs, but would not submit to coercion.
“We will not yield to force, and we will defend our rights within the framework of international laws and regulations. No country can impose any demands on the Iranian nation outside this framework,” he said.
He added that relations among countries based on rights, justice and fairness would prevent wars.
“War occurs when a country casts covetous eyes on the territory, resources and interests of other countries. Many of today's wars stem from excessive demands, but nations, as long as they are aware of their rights and interests, will not allow bullies to plunder their resources,” Pezeshkian said.