RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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TEHRAN — Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared on Friday that the Islamic Republic will never capitulate to foreign coercion, vowing a decisive and crushing response against any aggression aimed at compromising the nation's sovereignty and dignity.
Addressing healthcare professionals and political figures at the 31st General Assembly of the Islamic Association of Iran's Medical Community, Pezeshkian delivered an uncompromising address. “We will under no circumstances bow to bullying,” the president stated. “We will stand against them until our last breath and give them a crushing response.”
Pezeshkian defended the June memorandum of understanding with the US as a major diplomatic achievement, emphasizing that the agreement was approved unanimously by Iran’s Supreme National Security Council without compromising national dignity. “They cannot find even one clause in this agreement that indicates surrender; all the commitments belong to the other side,” he noted, contrasting Iran's adherence with subsequent US breaches of the MoU that further undermined diplomatic trust.
The president’s address firmly framed Iran's resistance against the backdrop of the US-Israeli aggression launched on February 28, which violated international law by targeting national infrastructure and sovereign territory. Pezeshkian stressed that while Tehran responded proportionately in self-defense, Washington's subsequent failure to honor its commitments under the MoU underscores why Iran must maintain strong defense capabilities and remain on guard against foreign deception.
A central theme of his speech was an earnest appeal for national unity and domestic cohesion. Pezeshkian urged all political factions and civic groups to move past internal friction, warning that domestic division poses a far greater threat than external hostility.
Addressing ongoing regional tensions and economic fallout, Pezeshkian struck a realistic tone, acknowledging the sacrifices required of citizens. “When we raise slogans, we must accept the hardship that comes with them,” he observed.
At the same time, Pezeshkian stressed that Iran’s firm defense capabilities allow it to pursue peace without fear or vulnerability. “War has to end at some point. It is better to end the war today, while we are in a position of strength and dignity,” Pezeshkian concluded, reminding the audience that while Iran should not reject genuine avenues toward peace, it must remain intensely vigilant against further unilateral violations.
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