Iran Remains Open to Diplomatic Resolution with US Despite Recent Regional Escalation, Says President Pezeshkian

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated on Monday that Tehran continues to pursue a negotiated resolution to its ongoing conflict with the US, following a recent cycle of renewed military strikes between the two nations.

Speaking with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Kyrgyzstan, President Pezeshkian emphasized that the persistence of the war serves no one's interests, reiterating that dialogue and cooperation offer the proper path forward to resolve existing problems.

Prior to his departure from Tehran for Kyrgyzstan, President Pezeshkian asserted that Iran is not seeking war, a message clearly communicated to the global community. However, he cautioned that the country will not remain passive in the face of any aggression and will respond decisively, noting that regional instability and turmoil create challenges for all nations involved.

This diplomatic outreach follows the first direct military escalation between Washington and Tehran in weeks, during which Iran reported targeting US forces stationed in Jordan and the UAE in direct retaliation for US airstrikes directed at the Iranian island of Larak.