Speaking to Al Jazeera during his visit to New York, Pezeshkian said Iran remains open to negotiations with the US but lacks trust due to previous agreements being violated and military action following negotiations.
He said indirect contacts with Washington were continuing through mediators, including Qatar and Pakistan, and that the sides had reached an understanding on a framework for negotiations. He called on Washington to clarify whether it was prepared to engage within that framework.
On the Strait of Hormuz, Pezeshkian said Iran had not initiated restrictions on the waterway, adding that the strait could remain open to free trade if disputes were resolved through dialogue. He stressed, however, that it should not be used to transport weapons and military equipment for regional conflicts.
The president rejected the need for an external guarantor of regional security, saying the Arab and Muslim countries around the Persian Gulf could cooperate to maintain security themselves. He described Iran’s relations with Muslim countries as brotherly and said Tehran is ready to help resolve regional disputes, including tensions between Saudi Arabia and Yemen.
Addressing Iran’s economic situation, Pezeshkian said sanctions have created serious difficulties but would not force Iran to surrender. He said the country would overcome its problems despite sanctions and would seek or create alternative routes if existing ones were blocked.
On Iran’s relations with China and Russia, he said both countries have provided political support to Tehran and that Iran maintains economic ties with them.
Regarding Yemen, Pezeshkian said Iran is not fighting alongside the Houthi movement, describing Tehran’s position as one of sympathy with people facing injustice. He said Iran is prepared to help Saudi Arabia and Yemen resolve their differences through dialogue.
The president called for greater unity among Muslim countries, saying cooperation could prevent outside powers from exploiting divisions in the region. He suggested that Saudi Arabia and Mecca could serve as a center and symbol of Muslim unity.
Pezeshkian also rejected allegations of divisions between Iran’s political and military institutions, saying state bodies have coordinated on negotiations and national policy. He said Iran’s political system separates policymaking, legislation and executive responsibilities while maintaining coordination among institutions.
Asked about a possible meeting with US President Donald Trump, Pezeshkian questioned the value of negotiations without confidence that agreements would be implemented.
He said Iran had not sought war but would respond to attacks, while emphasizing that Tehran wanted regional countries to live in peace, develop their economies and cooperate on security.
On Syria, Pezeshkian said Iran currently has limited relations with the new Syrian government but hopes it would act according to Islamic principles, justice and fairness.
The president also described Iran as a victim of terrorism, referring to attacks targeting officials, commanders, scientists and civilians. He criticized double standards in international relations, saying countries should not allow their territory or airspace to be used to launch attacks against others.
Pezeshkian reiterated that Iran does not seek confrontation with its neighbors and urged Muslim countries to resolve their differences themselves rather than allowing outside powers to deepen regional divisions.
On Palestine and Gaza, he said Iran’s position is based on support for oppressed people and opposition to attacks on civilians.