Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said peace negotiations will only succeed if they are free from pressure and threats, insisting that diplomacy cannot work when parties are forced to accept conditions imposed on them.
Speaking at a regional summit in Turkmenistan, Pezeshkian stressed that meaningful negotiations must be based on dialogue rather than the use of force to secure concessions.
“Negotiation conducted in the shadow of force is not negotiation, it is imposition and coercion,” he said, outlining Tehran’s position on the conditions required for diplomatic engagement.
His remarks come as the months-long Middle East war remains at a stalemate, with efforts to find a lasting resolution facing significant diplomatic and political challenges.
Pezeshkian’s comments reflect Iran’s opposition to negotiations conducted under pressure, as Tehran continues to emphasise the need for dialogue without threats. The statement also highlights the difficulties facing diplomatic efforts when the parties involved disagree over the terms and conditions for reaching an agreement.
Regional leaders and international diplomatic actors continue to face the challenge of finding a path towards de-escalation, amid concerns about the wider consequences of a prolonged conflict for regional stability and security.
Pezeshkian’s latest remarks underscore the importance Tehran places on the circumstances surrounding any potential peace process. However, whether his position will help advance negotiations remains uncertain, as efforts to end the conflict continue amid competing demands and unresolved differences.
