Iran Ready to Pursue Peace if US Builds Trust, Says President Pezeshkian

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said Tehran remains committed to pursuing peace under the recently signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the United States, provided Washington takes steps to build trust.

Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Pezeshkian said Iran was continuing on the “path of peace” based on the provisions of the MoU and that the current situation offered a good opportunity to reach an agreement.

“Now is the best time to reach an agreement, as there is solidarity, power and unity in the country,” he said.

Pezeshkian said Iran was prepared to use the MoU as the basis for further engagement, but stressed that the United States must first move away from what Tehran considers an atmosphere of distrust.

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“We are determined to ... use the MoU as the basis provided that the United States lets go of the atmosphere of distrust it has created, and an atmosphere of trust is formed,” he said.

The Iranian President also stressed that negotiations would have to be based on reciprocity. Tehran, he said, would match its commitments to the extent that Washington honours its own obligations.

Pezeshkian warned that Iran would not give in if the other side attempted to use force. He added that Iran's actions would ultimately be guided by the decisions of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.

Earlier, Pezeshkian had reiterated Iran's willingness to continue dialogue to protect its rights, while making it clear that the country would not be forced into surrender.

In an interview published on his office's website on Friday, the Iranian President defended his government's decision to enter negotiations with the US and sign the MoU aimed at ending the war.

Pezeshkian said Iran would continue to honour its commitments as long as the US fulfilled its obligations under the agreement.

“Wherever they fail to fulfil their commitment, we have no obligation to continue,” he said.

Earlier this week, Pezeshkian also dismissed speculation that he was planning to step down, saying he would “continue his work resolutely”. His remarks came amid reports of differences within Iran's leadership over the MoU.

Iran and the United States signed the MoU in June on ending the war on all fronts, including Lebanon. The two sides were expected to hold negotiations within 60 days with the aim of reaching a final agreement. However, renewed escalation in the region has cast uncertainty over the future of those talks.