News - Middle East: President Masoud Pezeshkian has reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to peaceful nuclear energy program as well as dialogue based on mutual respect, while adding that the international rights cannot be taken away through war or threats.

In a phone call with his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, on Saturday, Pezeshkian condemned the Israeli regime's attempts to destabilize the West Asia region.

Responding to Macron’s call for greater trust and transparency regarding Iran’s nuclear program, Pezeshkian stressed that Iran has always pursued global cooperation based on “trust and mutual respect.”

He denounced the Israeli regime’s latest aggression against the Islamic Republic, which disrupted the process of nuclear diplomacy between Tehran and Washington.

He also referred to the assassination of former Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, a day after his presidential inauguration, which he said was part of a sabotage campaign.

“The rights granted to nations under international law cannot be taken away through war and threats,” Pezeshkian told his French counterpart, adding that Iran is ready for dialogue and cooperation to build confidence around its peaceful nuclear activities but hastened to add that it will never accept demands to halt the enrichment program.

“At the same time, our response to the Zionist regime’s aggression will be even more forceful and resolute.”

He condemned the regime’s attempts to destabilize the region, calling on governments and international organizations to condemn these actions in line with international norms.

Underscoring the Islamic Republic’s long-standing position, Pezeshkian referred to the religious decree of the Leader of the Islamic Republic against nuclear weapons, reiterating that Iran has never sought to go that path.

He stressed that Iran has consistently declared its willingness to provide assurances and transparency within the framework of international law, but at the same time will not give up its legitimate right to peaceful nuclear capabilities.

“Iran is prepared for negotiations to resolve issues, but any discussions or preconditions will only be accepted if they align with the rights and norms recognized under international law.”

The phone call came amid more than a week of Israeli regime’s aggression against the Islamic Republic, which has resulted in the assassination of both military commanders as well as civilians, including scientists, professors, athletes and journalists.

In response, acting in self-defense, Iranian armed forces have carried out a series of missile and drone operations under True Promise III, striking strategic Israeli targets.

Source: Press TV