Iran Warns It Will Defend Itself If US Aggression Continues

He made the remarks during separate phone calls on Thursday with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

“If the American side is truly seeking genuine negotiations and diplomacy, it must cease such provocative and tension-provoking actions and demonstrate its commitment to the path of dialogue through actions,” Pezeshkian said.

The Iranian president added that “Iran has never initiated a war and does not welcome any conflict, which could destabilize the regional peace and security.”

The President said he believed wars and conflicts were not in the interest of any side or party.

However, Pezeshkian vowed to defend Iran with strength and authority in response to any aggression.

“We emphasize the path of interaction and diplomacy. However, we will not allow ourselves to be threatened or attacked during negotiations, as in past experiences,” he said, referring to US and Israeli strikes in June ahead of a planned sixth round of talks.

The Emir of Qatar and the Pakistani prime minister stressed their opposition to any actions undermining Iran’s security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

They also rejected unjust Western sanctions and US-led embargoes against Iran.

According to the Pakistani prime minister’s office, they exchanged views on the evolving regional situation, with Sharif underscoring the need for sustained dialogue and diplomatic engagement to promote peace, security, and development in the region.

They reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining regular high-level contacts and consultations through bilateral institutional mechanisms, noting the close and brotherly ties between Pakistan and Iran rooted in shared history, culture, and faith.

The statements come as US President Donald Trump has escalated rhetoric, threatening new military action against Iran.

Washington recently deployed the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and its accompanying strike group to West Asia near Iran.

Senior Iranian officials say Tehran does not oppose dialogue and diplomacy, provided it is genuine, balanced, and based on mutual respect with concrete guarantees.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi warned on Wednesday that diplomacy imposed under military threats cannot be effective or productive.