News- Middle East: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has underscored the Islamic Republic’s all-time resolve to pursue peace and security in the West Asia region, saying Tehran has never sought nuclear weapons based on its fundamental policies and principles.

Pezeshkian made the statement on Tuesday evening as he received the credentials of the new Swiss ambassador to the Islamic Republic, Olivier Bangerter, whose country also represents US interests in Iran.

Acknowledging Switzerland's historical role as a communication channel between Tehran and Washington since the 1979 victory of the Islamic Revolution, Pezeshkian urged Bangerter to convey the fact to American officials that Iran has never sought nuclear weapons, and has adhered instead to the country’s entrenched precepts and tenets.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran has always sought regional stability, peace, and security, and the propaganda and baseless hype against Iran's peaceful nuclear program by the US and some European countries lack any real basis,” the president said.

“You need to try to convey this fact to American officials that the Islamic Republic of Iran, based on its fundamental principles and policies, has never been and is not seeking nuclear weapons.”

Pezeshkian expressed gratitude for Switzerland's cooperation, not least in the pharmaceutical and food sectors, amidst the challenges posed by unjust sanctions of the United States and certain European countries.

The Iranian president also censured the Israeli regime’s actions against Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip, stressing that the occupying entity is the primary cause of regional instability.

“The regime's behavior is the main cause of instability in the region. Its attacks on regional countries and unprecedented crimes against Palestinians are neither humane nor legal, and are incompatible with any religion or belief,” Pezeshkian said.

Bangerter, for his part, voiced his delight over the commencement of his mission in Iran and outlined his key objectives, which he said include enhancing bilateral relations and fortifying Switzerland's role as a reliable communication channel between Tehran and Washington.

“I will spare no effort in achieving these goals, and at the same time, I will strive to show [to the world] the culture, history, and hospitality of the Iranian nation in the best possible way.”

Iran urges Islamic unity to combat common threats

Receiving the credentials of Rolliansyah Soemirat, Indonesia’s new ambassador to Tehran, on Tuesday, Pezeshkian stressed the necessity of unity among Muslim nations to confront shared challenges and prevent the Israeli regime from committing further crimes in Gaza.

The Iranian president underlined that stronger cooperation and solidarity among Islamic countries can transform the Muslim world into a powerful and cohesive front.

Hailing the expansion of ties with Islamic nations as a central pillar of Iran’s foreign policy, Pezeshkian said the Islamic Republic regards all Muslim countries as brothers according to the teachings of Islam.

“The nations of the Islamic Ummah need to act as one body in the face of the enemies of the Muslim world,” he stated, adding that realizing this vision requires broad collaboration in such fields as science, culture, economy, politics, and security.

The president appreciated Indonesia’s principled support for Iran in international arenas and emphasized the crucial role ambassadors play in deepening bilateral relations.

Pezeshkian also extended an invitation for his Indonesian counterpart to visit Tehran, voicing optimism that such a visit would further enhance cooperation and strengthen ties between the two countries.

Soemirat, for his part, reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to global multilateralism and its determination to expand cooperation with Iran at bilateral, regional, and international levels.

The Indonesian ambassador also emphasized Jakarta’s continued support for the Palestinian cause as well as Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear technology.

‘Iran ready to boost bilateral ties with Ivory Coast’

In another meeting on Tuesday, Pezeshkian said Iran is fully prepared to elevate bilateral cooperation with Ivory Coast, underscoring the development of African ties as a key priority in the Islamic Republic’s foreign policy.

Receiving the credentials of Tamakolo Ouattara, the new ambassador of Ivory Coast to Iran, Pezeshkian expressed hope that the incoming envoy would actively work toward advancing shared goals and deepening relations between the two nations.

Highlighting the importance of economic collaboration, the Iranian president pointed to the activation of a joint economic committee as a vital step for structuring policies and frameworks that support cooperation across multiple sectors.

Pezeshkian expressed optimism that the ambassador’s mission in Tehran would help promote friendly ties and expand joint initiatives in various fields.

Ouattara, for his part, underscored the role of diplomacy in advancing mutual interests and strengthening international friendships, voicing his commitment to his mission as he highlighted Iran’s influential role in regional and international affairs.

The Ivorian ambassador also highlighted the significance of underway plans to establish a joint economic committee aimed at boosting collaboration in key sectors, particularly agriculture and farming.

Source: Press TV