Tehran: President Masoud Pezeshkian has declared that Iran is open to negotiations but will not succumb to pressure from 'bullies,' while emphasizing the nation's desire for peace and tranquility in the West Asia region. The announcement was made during a meeting with government officials in the southwestern cities of Tehran Province.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Pezeshkian's remarks come in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's reinstatement of his 'maximum pressure campaign' on Iran, following the commencement of his second term. Despite resuming the policy first enacted in 2018, Trump indicated a willingness to negotiate a new agreement with Tehran.

Pezeshkian expressed resilience against sanctions, referring to the U.S. campaign aimed at halting Iran's oil sales among other sanctions. "Some say there is no alternative but to negotiate with them [the United States.] We did not say we would not negotiate, but we are not due to give in to bullies," he stated.

He criticized those who, while claiming to uphold human rights, engage in acts of aggression. Pezeshkian asserted that Iran is not interested in conflict but seeks peaceful coexistence with other Muslim nations in the region.

Addressing the source of regional tensions, Pezeshkian pointed to actions by Israel, supported by the U.S., as a cause of instability. He reiterated that Iran has not initiated these tensions.

Pezeshkian also addressed industrialists and economic stakeholders in Tehran Province, highlighting adversarial attempts to disrupt Iran's production sector. He pledged his administration's commitment to counteract these efforts and support the country's industrial and entrepreneurial sectors. "We know that we are in an all-out economic war. We will do whatever we can to support the industry sector and entrepreneurs," he affirmed.