Iran favours dialogue, will not be forced to surrender: President Pezeshkian
Tehran, August 8
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has reiterated Tehran's commitment to diplomatic engagement to protect national interests, asserting that the nation will not be forced to surrender.
Pezeshkian delivered the comments in an interview published on his official website on Friday, defending his administration's choice to negotiate with the United States and sign the memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at ending the war.
Stressing Tehran's position on the pact, Pezeshkian asserted that Iran will honour its commitments provided Washington abides by its obligations under the agreement, adding, "Wherever they fail to fulfil their commitment, we have no obligation to continue".
Addressing internal political speculation earlier in the week, Pezeshkian refuted claims of his resignation, declaring he would "continue his work resolutely". The clarification followed reports alleging "divisions" within the Iranian establishment regarding the MoU.
The MoU was signed in June, establishing a 60-day window for both nations to conduct talks and secure a definitive peace agreement. However, a fresh escalation in diplomatic friction has cast doubt over the progression of these negotiations.
On Thursday night, two explosions occurred on Qeshm Island in Hormozgan province following an engagement between Iranian military units and "hostile enemy targets" near the Strait of Hormuz, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency.
Tasnim, citing sources, reported that the detonations occurred at approximately 21:40 local time (1810 GMT), noting that the outcomes of the naval engagement would be disclosed shortly.
However, Ahmad Nafisi, Hormozgan's deputy governor for political, security and social affairs, stated that no direct strikes or damage had been logged on Qeshm Island or in the provincial capital of Bandar Abbas.
Nafisi confirmed that relevant security agencies have initiated investigations to establish the cause of the blasts.
— ANI
Reader Comments
"Wherever they fail to fulfil their commitment, we have no obligation to continue" - that's a very strong message. But I wonder if the US will actually stick to its side of the deal. History suggests otherwise. Let's see how the 60-day window plays out.
The explosions near Qeshm Island are concerning. Strait of Hormuz is literally the jugular of global oil supply. Even if the deputy governor says no damage, the fact that there was a naval engagement is worrying. India should be watching this closely.
Internal divisions in Iran's establishment? That's news. Pezeshkian has to balance hardliners and reformers. The fact that he had to deny resignation rumours shows how tense things are. Diplomacy is good, but he needs to show strength at home first.
I appreciate that Iran wants dialogue, but the US has a habit of walking away from commitments when it suits them. Let's not forget what happened with the JCPOA under Trump. I hope Iran is being careful and not just trusting sweet words this time.
From an outsider's perspective, it looks like both sides are posturing. Iran says "we won't surrender" while the US hasn't exactly been subtle in its pressure. The Qeshm incident could be a miscalculation that escalates things. Let's hope cooler heads prevail.
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