According to a report by Al Jazeera on May 18, 2026, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has reaffirmed Tehran’s position on diplomacy, saying the country is ready to engage in dialogue while firmly protecting its national interests. Masoud Pezeshkian says Tehran “enters into dialogue with dignity, authority, and the preservation of the nation’s rights”.
He stressed that Iran will not compromise on what it considers the lawful rights of its people and state under any circumstances. “And under no circumstances will it retreat from the legal rights of the people and the country,” the Iranian president wrote on X.
Pezeshkian further emphasized that his government intends to prioritize reasoned governance and public service while facing ongoing political and economic challenges. He said Iran will continue to act decisively in safeguarding national interests and maintaining its dignity on the global stage. “We will serve the people with logic and with all our might, to the end, and safeguard the interests and honour of Iran.”
In his message, the Iranian leader also highlighted the importance of resilience and unity, framing his administration’s approach as both pragmatic and principled. He indicated that Tehran’s foreign policy would continue balancing engagement with resistance to external pressure, particularly in relation to sanctions and regional tensions.
The remarks come amid continued geopolitical friction involving Iran and Western powers, with Tehran repeatedly insisting that any diplomatic process must respect its sovereignty. Iranian officials have maintained that constructive negotiations are only possible when mutual respect is guaranteed.
Pezeshkian’s statement reflects the broader direction of his administration, which seeks to combine diplomatic openness with a firm stance on national sovereignty….Read_More…