Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian made statements about relations with the USA, the Strait of Hormuz, the nuclear program and the possibility of new negotiations in his interview with the "Face the Nation" program hosted by Margaret Brennan on CBS News.
Pezeshkian said that if the proposal submitted by the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to Washington through mediators is accepted, the process to reopen the Strait of Hormuz will begin.
In the interview, it was stated that the proposal in question envisages the reopening of the strait seven days after certain conditions are met and then negotiations to end the war.
Pezeshkian stated that if Washington accepts the proposal, Iran will comply with its commitments.
Recalling the memorandum of understanding previously signed in Pakistan, Pezeshkian stated that the framework agreed upon between Iran and the USA was divided into stages and the same road map could be re-operated.
“If the USA acts according to this framework, I think we will all comply with it,” Pezeshkian said.
“TRUST” CONDITION FOR MEETING WITH TRUMP
Pezeşkian was also asked whether he was ready to meet directly with US President Donald Trump.
The Iranian President argued that there was a deep distrust between Washington and Tehran and claimed that previous agreements were violated by the USA.
Pezeşkiyan stated that in order for direct contact to be possible, the parties must first adhere to the agreements they signed and said, "The first thing that needs to be done is to overcome the mistrust created by this war."
CBS News also reported that Pezeshkian pointed to an "atmosphere of distrust" regarding the possible meeting with Trump.
Pezeshkian said that they are open to new negotiations to impose limits on Iran's nuclear program.
Stating that an agreement could be made for Iran not to develop nuclear weapons, Pezeşkiyan stated that this could be handled within the framework of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
Answering the question about the inspections of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Pezeşkiyan said that a new agreement regarding inspections could be reached in the new negotiation process.
“DEVELOPING NUCLEAR WEAPONS IS HARAM”
Pezeshkian also rejected allegations that Iran wants to develop nuclear weapons.
Stating that the Iranian administration had previously said that it was not seeking nuclear weapons, Pezeshkian argued that the development of nuclear weapons was considered "haram" in religious terms.
Stating that the sanctions against the Iranian economy affect civilians, Pezeshkian especially criticized the restriction of access to food and medicine.
While Pezeşkian argued that the USA forced Iran to make concessions with sanctions and military pressure, he said that Tehran was open to negotiations but "will not surrender under pressure and coercion".
During the interview, it was also discussed whether the release of US citizens held in Iran could build trust between the two countries.
Pointing to prisoner exchanges in the past, Pezeshkian claimed that Iran had taken similar steps before, but the United States did not fulfill its obligations.
"We do not want to fight, but if they attack us, we will defend ourselves," said Pezeşkiyan, arguing that a new environment of trust can only be established if the parties comply with their obligations.
“WE DON'T WANT WAR”
When asked again about the possibility of meeting with Trump, Pezeshkian said that Iran is not completely closed to direct dialogue, but for this, Washington must first take steps to establish trust.
Pezeşkiyan said, "We are not looking for war" and stated that if the signed agreements are implemented, the parties can sit at the negotiation table again.
At the end of the interview, the Iranian President said that they wanted peace in the region and that he was not seeking conflict with neighboring countries.
