Iran's Pezeshkian hits back at US deal critics, resignation claims

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian forcefully defended a recent memorandum of understanding with Washington, pushing back against domestic critics who he accused of adopting Israel's narrative. He rejected speculation about his potential resignation, emphasizing his commitment to the agreement.

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We will firmly defend what we have written as a memorandum of understanding.

Pezeshkian defended the memorandum, which he said calls for ending conflict on all fronts, opening the Strait of Hormuz, and further negotiations on Iran's nuclear program. He asserted that those labeling the deal a failure were being unfair and repeating Israel's talking points. "We will firmly defend what we have written as a memorandum of understanding,” he stated, challenging critics to identify any clause where Iran had "backed down."

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Those who want to label it a failure are being unfair, and this is exactly what Israel wants. Knowingly or unknowingly, they are conveying Israel’s message.

"Why should we constantly say we must fight? That is exactly what Israel wants. Israel wants the war to continue,” Pezeshkian argued. He questioned why Iran should pursue a course that benefits Israel when it can secure its rights through negotiation. He also stated that Iran's implementation of the agreement would be reciprocal, contingent on U.S. adherence to its commitments.

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Why should we constantly say we must fight? That is exactly what Israel wants. Israel wants the war to continue.

The president highlighted that Iran had succeeded in forcing the U.S. to lift what he described as a blockade. He explained that Iran's primary concession involved allowing ships to transit the Strait of Hormuz under Iranian regulations, a framework the U.S. accepted. Pezeshkian dismissed criticism from domestic opponents, suggesting they failed to recognize the agreement's achievements and lacked logic. He added that Iran sought neither aggression nor territorial expansion but would not surrender its self-defense capabilities, contrasting its regional policy with Israel's pursuit of a "Greater Israel."

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As long as they fulfill their commitments, we will fulfill ours. Wherever they fail to do so, we will have no obligation to continue.