Talks Aimed At Defending Iran’s Rights, Not Surrender -- Pezeshkian

Tehran, May 10 (Bernama-IRNA) -- President Masoud Pezeshkian says any negotiations involving Iran are aimed at securing the nation’s rights and firmly defending national interests, stressing that dialogue does not mean surrender or retreat, the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) reported.

Speaking during a meeting of the task force for reconstruction of damages caused by the “third imposed war” on Sunday, Pezeshkian said the Iranian nation “will never bow before the enemy".

“If there is any talk of dialogue or negotiation, it does not mean surrender or backing down, but rather the goal is to secure the rights of the Iranian nation and powerfully defend national interests,” he said.

US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire with Iran on April 8, following 40 days of unprovoked aggression against Iran. However, he later ordered the continuation of an illegal blockade of Iranian vessels and ports in violation of the ceasefire’s terms. Indirect dialogue between the two sides has been going on in the meantime.

Pezeshkian also underlined the need for social solidarity and mutual understanding of the country’s conditions, saying people should realistically understand the existing limitations and challenges facing Iran.

“It is natural that there will be hardships and difficulties along this path, but with the support of the people and reliance on national unity, problems can be resolved,” the president said.

Referring to difficulties stemming from the recent war, Pezeshkian said enduring hardship and remaining steadfast could at times be “even more difficult than martyrdom".

“In such conditions, staying, standing firm, and enduring hardships and problems are sometimes more difficult than martyrdom, and people who remain in the field with patience, resistance, and endurance are in fact carrying out the ‘greater jihad'," he added.

-- BERNAMA-IRNA