President Pezeshkian: Window for Diplomacy Remains Open, But Iran Will Respond to Any Miscalculation
TEHRAN, July 15— Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has reaffirmed Tehran’s commitment to diplomacy while warning that any miscalculation by its enemies will be met with a firm response. In a message to Iranian expatriates on Monday, Pezeshkian emphasized that Iran seeks peace but will not hesitate to defend its sovereignty and people.
“We advocate diplomacy and constructive interaction and oppose war,” Pezeshkian said. “To remove the shadow of war from our country, we will use all political and diplomatic resources at our disposal while defending the natural rights of the Iranian people.”
The president underscored that Iran has never sought conflict but has always aimed to contribute to sustainable global peace. However, he cautioned foreign adversaries not to mistake Iran’s peaceful posture for weakness.
“Our people desire peace, but they are by no means submissive,” he stressed. “Based on its cultural, historical, and religious values, Iran stands for justice and dignity for all nations.”
Referring to recent Israeli and U.S. actions, Pezeshkian accused the two allies of aggression during a period when Iran was engaged in diplomatic talks with Washington. Despite deep-seated mistrust, he said Tehran entered negotiations in good faith to clear misconceptions surrounding its nuclear program.
“While talks were ongoing, the Zionist enemy, supported by the U.S., launched an attack on Iran, killing military commanders, nuclear scientists, and innocent civilians, including women and children,” he said.
Pezeshkian reiterated that Iran’s nuclear doctrine remains peaceful and aligned with international standards. “History shows that whenever Iran moves toward stability and peace, it is the Zionist regime that disrupts the process.”
The president described Iran’s military retaliation during the 12-day conflict—referred to as Operation True Promise III—as a legitimate act of self-defense under international law and the UN Charter. He credited the country’s armed forces, led by the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), with delivering “a heavy and crushing blow” to Israel under the guidance of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.
Pezeshkian also expressed confidence in Iran’s military readiness, stating that the armed forces are now at their highest level of defense capability.
“If the enemies attempt to invade Iranian territory again, they will face an even more devastating response,” he warned.
On June 13, Israel launched what Iran described as an unprovoked act of aggression, targeting key figures and infrastructure. In response, Iran retaliated with strikes on critical military, intelligence, and industrial sites across Israeli-occupied territories.
By June 24, Iran claimed its retaliatory measures had forced an end to the attacks, marking a significant turning point in the ongoing regional tensions.
Despite these developments, President Pezeshkian concluded his address with a message of hope, calling on adversaries to abandon hostility and return to the path of diplomacy and mutual respect.