President-elect Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized Iran’s stance against pressure from the United States while highlighting friendships with China and Russia in a statement published on Saturday. Pezeshkian, known for his moderate views and recent electoral victory over hardline opponents, reiterated Iran’s commitment to a non-nuclear weapons defense doctrine and expressed intentions to strengthen regional ties and engage with Europe.
“The United States must acknowledge that Iran does not and will not yield to pressure, and that our defense strategy excludes nuclear weapons,” Pezeshkian stated in his message titled “My message to the new world,” published in Tehran Times.
A 69-year-old heart surgeon, Pezeshkian campaigned on promoting a pragmatic foreign policy aimed at easing tensions surrounding stalled negotiations to revive the 2015 nuclear agreement with major powers, as well as advancing social liberalization and political pluralism within Iran. Despite these promises, skepticism remains among Iranians, given that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei holds ultimate authority in the Islamic Republic.
Pezeshkian praised China and Russia for their steadfast support during challenging periods, emphasizing their strategic importance to Iran. “Russia is a crucial strategic ally and neighbor, and my administration will work to expand and strengthen our collaboration,” he affirmed, noting Iran’s active support for efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine.
“With a strong mandate from the Iranian people, I am committed to proactive engagement on the global stage, while upholding our rights, dignity, and rightful role in the region and beyond,” Pezeshkian concluded, extending an invitation to join Iran in its diplomatic efforts.
