Iran, Armenia to expand cooperation in trade, science, technology: Pezeshkian
Tehran - BORNA - Pezeshkian praised the Armenian community living in Iran as reputable and upright citizens, characterizing their presence as a valuable foundation for relations between the two nations. Recalling his recent "constructive" meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, the president emphasized the necessity of mutual support to advance economic and technological partnerships.
Addressing broader regional developments and tensions with Washington, Pezeshkian strongly criticized the United States' negotiating record.
"Our problem with the United States is that every time we come to the negotiating table, war is immediately imposed on us," Pezeshkian said. "They have attacked us three times following dialogue, which proves they are not seeking talks, but rather aim to overthrow the Islamic Republic of Iran."
The president reiterated that Iran has repeatedly demonstrated sincerity regarding its nuclear program, pointing out that the country has undergone the most extensive International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspections in the world despite facing persistent US pressure and false allegations.
"In my speech at the United Nations, I affirmed our readiness for dialogue and verification regarding nuclear activities; however, the issue is that every time inspectors have visited Iran, our sites and scientists were identified, followed by bombings of these centers and assassinations of our scientists," Pezeshkian stated. He questioned the justification for strikes on scientific institutions and stressed that international law prohibits attacks on nuclear facilities placed under IAEA safeguards.
Denouncing US military strikes alongside simultaneous claims of seeking diplomacy as deceptive, Pezeshkian cited the killing of 168 innocent children in Minab as an example of American atrocities, criticizing the hypocrisy of Western human rights claims. He asserted that negotiations hold no meaning with an adversary that continuously relies on assassinations, sanctions, and broken agreements.
Pezeshkian noted that hostile actions aimed at destabilizing the establishment have instead fortified national unity, adding that Iran will continue to rely on solid relations with its neighbors to overcome external pressures.
For his part, Mirzoyan conveyed warm greetings from Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan, stating that bilateral friendship and cooperation continue to strengthen. The Armenian top diplomat emphasized that Yerevan remains committed to actively advancing its partnership with Tehran despite foreign sanctions, reiterating Armenia's dedication to regional peace.
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