Tehran: President Masoud Pezeshkian has emphasized that the Islamic Republic views the government and people of Iraq not merely as a neighbor but as a brotherly nation and is ready to expand comprehensive cooperation with Baghdad.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, his remarks came during a Tuesday phone call with Iraq's Prime Minister-designate Ali Faleh al-Zaydi, in which the Iranian president congratulated the newly appointed premier and wished him success in forming the next Iraqi government.

Pezeshkian expressed hope that Iraq's incoming administration would, through skill and expertise, overcome economic challenges and pave the way for greater prosperity, stability and growth. Calling for regional cooperation, the president said Iran seeks no conflict with its neighbors and supports resolving regional differences, including those in the Persian Gulf, through dialogue.

Highlighting shared regional concerns, the president said one of the central issues today is the need to end wars and foreign pressure in the region, noting that US contradictions, pursuing maximum pressure on Iran while expecting negotiations, make meaningful dialogue impossible under threats. He urged the removal of military threats, stating that lasting stability requires respecting Iran's rights and ending coercive policies. He also emphasized that Iran has twice been targeted during negotiation processes and criticized renewed military deployments while talks are ongoing.

Pezeshkian also reaffirmed Iran's commitment to peaceful nuclear activities, stressing that the country has consistently been willing to provide full transparency within international frameworks. He added that scientific and technological advancement, including in medicine, agriculture, industry, and nuclear science, is a national achievement that Iran will not relinquish.

Pezeshkian invited al-Zaydi to visit Tehran for discussions on strengthening bilateral relations. For his part, Iraq's prime minister-designate affirmed Baghdad's determination to improve relations across economic, political, security, and regional spheres. Al-Zaydi added that Iran's strength has been vital in the fight against terrorism and remains essential for regional stability.

He said Iraq is ready to facilitate dialogue between Iran and the United States, expressing hope that, through the efforts and collective participation of the region's countries, the current war would end as soon as possible and the outstanding issues would be resolved.