IRAN PREFERS RESOLVING ISSUES THROUGH DIPLOMACY

TEHRAN, Feb 1 (Bernama-IRNA) -- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian says that Iran emphasises the necessity of establishing diplomatic processes and pursuing dignified diplomacy from a position of equality and free from threats, the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) reported.

Pezeshkian stressed that for Iran, resolving issues through diplomacy has always taken priority over war, and he hopes that the opposing side has also realised that Iran cannot be forced into negotiations through threats and coercion.

In a telephone conversation with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, while expressing appreciation for the compassionate, responsible, and brotherly efforts of Islamic countries toward reducing regional tensions and supporting Iran, Pezeshkian emphasised Iran's principled policy of strengthening internal convergence and synergy, as well as continuous efforts to consolidate and expand cordial relations with neighbouring and Islamic countries within the framework of foreign policy.

Referring to the actions and efforts of the United States (US) and the Israeli regime aimed at escalating hostilities, instigating and imposing war, applying pressures and sanctions, and ultimately directly provoking unrest within Iran, the President clarified that Iran has never sought and does not seek war and deeply believes that war will not benefit Iran, the US, or the region.

Stressing that Iran insists on the necessity of diplomatic processes and pursuing dignified diplomacy from an equal footing and away from threats to allow dialogues to take place in a calm and constructive atmosphere, Pezeshkian stated, "For Iran, resolving issues through diplomacy has always been prioritised over war.

“We hope the other side has understood that Iran cannot be compelled to negotiate through force and threats. Obviously, any aggression or attack on the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran will be met with a decisive and powerful response; nevertheless, Iran continues to pursue the resolution of issues through diplomacy," he said.

During this telephone call, the Egyptian president also expressed his pleasure in speaking with Pezeshkian, wishing peace, stability, and security for the people of the ancient and historical land of Iran and all nations in the region, emphasising that there is no military solution to the issues.

Saying that any increase in tension and conflict would have negative consequences not only for Iran but for the entire region, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi declared that Egypt will continue its efforts to reduce tensions and stands ready to back and support diplomatic initiatives aimed at resolving issues and strengthening regional stability.

-- BERNAMA-IRNA