Iran will stand firm against any aggressor, Pezeshkian says

Iran will stand firm against any aggressor, Pezeshkian says Iran’s president Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran does not seek war but will stand firmly against any aggressor, stressing that no power can force a nation determined to resist to surrender. “The Islamic Republic of Iran is not the initiator of war,” he said, adding, “we do not welcome war, but we will stand firmly against any aggressor with strength, and no power can force a nation that is standing with all its strength and determination to surrender.” Pezeshkian said Iran would not bow to threats as it has the backing of diplomatic efforts, the support of the Iranian people, the work of government officials and the sacrifices of commanders of the armed forces. “We will not bow our heads before any threat, just as we have demonstrated many times before,” he said. Iranian deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi, meanwhile, said the Strait of Hormuz remains closed and any ship can pass through it only with the permission of Iran. “The Iranian armed forces have complete oversight over movements in the Strait of Hormuz, and we do not confirm the claims regarding the uncoordinated passage of ships,” he said. Asked about attempts by mediators Pakistan and Qatar to revive the talks, he said: "We have clarified to Qatar and Pakistan the steps the United States should take.” “America is the one that violated all its commitments in the Memorandum of Understanding, and it is the one that must implement these commitments,” he told reporters on Saturday. Regarding the management of the Strait of Hormuz, he said, necessary arrangements have been made with the government of Oman. “Whenever these commitments are fulfilled, Iran will take the necessary actions,” he said.