Pezeshkian and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron held a phone conversation on Saturday to discuss the latest developments regarding the ceasefire efforts, the Islamabad negotiations, and the escalating situation in Lebanon.
During the call, the Iranian president recalled past US breaches of commitments in previous talks and said that Washington imposed two wars and committed numerous crimes against the Iranian nation.
Pezeshkian reiterated that Iran has never sought conflict, emphasizing that Tehran has consistently supported resolving issues through dialogue based on international law. However, he underlined that Iran will not hesitate in defending its legitimate rights and territorial integrity.
The president also described Iran’s missile capabilities as a defensive necessity and criticized the inaction of international bodies, including the United Nations and the European Union, regarding unlawful attacks on Iran and the region.
Pezeshkian further said the recent Israeli attacks on Lebanon have become a major source of regional tension. He condemned the massacre of hundreds of Lebanese civilians and strikes on non-military sites, including a childcare center, describing them as clear examples of war crimes. He stressed that international pressure must be exerted on both the Israeli regime and the United States to halt the attacks.
For his part, President Macron said France has condemned the war from the outset and supports a ceasefire, emphasizing the need to stop attacks on Lebanon. He expressed hope for progress in the Islamabad talks and reaffirmed France’s readiness to help restore peace and stability in the region.
At the end of the call, both sides agreed to continue consultations.