President Pezeshkian: Iran remains committed to negotiations to end conflict

Tehran (ANTARA) - Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has stated that his administration remains committed to the negotiation process to resolve conflicts in the Middle East, while simultaneously maintaining combat readiness. “We firmly defend the rights of our people and will not back down in the face of any threats. Diplomacy and defence are the two wings of national strength. We will not abandon either the battlefield or the negotiating table,” Pezeshkian stated on the X platform after Iranian forces announced they had halted attacks against Israel.

Iran and Israel engaged in mutual attacks on Sunday (7/6) and Monday. This escalation occurred after Israel struck the outskirts of the Lebanese capital, an area containing various facilities belonging to the Iran-backed Hezbollah group. Iran had previously warned of intervention and declared that it had carried out retaliatory strikes, while also stating it would cease operations against Israel.

The heightened tensions have raised questions regarding the future of negotiations between the United States and Iran aimed at ending the conflict that began in late February. The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that negotiations between Iran and the US are ongoing. On 28 February, the United States and Israel launched attacks on several targets within Iran, including Tehran, resulting in damage and civilian casualties. Iran responded by attacking Israeli territory and US military facilities in the Middle East. Washington and Tehran subsequently announced a ceasefire on 7 April, followed by negotiations in Islamabad which concluded without a resolution.