Pezeshkian: We Do Not Seek War, But Are Ready to Talk
Tehran – BORNA – On Monday, July 28, during the official ceremony of receiving the credentials of Mr. Pierre Cochard, the new Ambassador of France to Tehran, Pezeshkian wished him success in expanding mutual cooperation based on mutual respect and shared interests. He stated: “The Islamic Republic of Iran—especially during the 14th administration—seeks domestic consensus and international engagement. However, Western countries have disrupted this path with false propaganda and by accusing Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons.”
The President added: “We seek our rights within the framework of international regulations and have abided by its obligations. Just as we previously accepted the strictest monitoring system over our nuclear activities, we are now ready to engage once again. But this should not be interpreted as a willingness to forgo the rights of the Iranian people. We are open to dialogue and do not pursue war, but if aggression is repeated, our response will be firm and authoritative.”
Referring to the unprecedented and brutal crimes of the Zionist regime against the oppressed people of Gaza, and strongly criticizing the inaction and silence of European countries, including France, Pezeshkian asserted: “What justification can possibly be offered for the killing of children, women, and even men due to the criminal siege of an entire nation? Are newborn children terrorists, that they are either bombed or die of starvation caused by the blockade of Gaza? I hope countries like France will play a more effective role in halting the continued crimes of the Zionist regime.”
In response, the new French Ambassador extended his condolences over the loss of Iranian citizens in yesterday’s terrorist attack in Zahedan. He stated: “France remains committed to preserving the path of dialogue and diplomacy and to building trust. Even during the recent 12-day war, we did not close our embassy in Tehran.”
Pierre Cochard expressed his country’s interest in expanding bilateral engagement and highlighted the broad scope of cooperation between France and Iran. He added: “France believes that the only solution to the nuclear issue is through dialogue. We believe diplomacy must be given time.”
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