Bazargan: Why Fight When We Can Achieve Our Rights Through Dialogue?

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian defended the continuation of negotiations with the United States, affirming that his country will not retreat from its positions, while stressing that dialogue remains the optimal route to achieve Iran’s rights instead of engaging in war.

In an interview marking the second anniversary of his presidency, Pezeshkian said, "Iran will not retreat from its positions," adding: "When we can obtain our rights through dialogue, why should we fight?" according to his statement.

He pointed out that continuing the war, in his words, serves Israel’s agenda—pushing Iran toward surrender—and affirmed that Iran has achieved its goals through dialogue on various regional issues, as he put it.

He added that Iran has, through dialogue, contributed to halting the war in Lebanon, lifting sanctions, and reducing certain penalties, highlighting the importance of the diplomatic track in addressing regional and international crises.

Regarding the Iranian negotiation team, Pezeshkian revealed he had asked Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf to join the team, and Ghalibaf agreed to the request.

He clarified that the team also includes representatives from the judiciary, parliament, armed forces, and other institutions, aiming, as he stated, to show that "everyone stands together in managing the negotiation file."

The Iranian president expressed regret over Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi being subjected to what he described as "insults," criticizing what he viewed as accusations and personal attacks directed at him due to his role in the negotiations.