Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said Tehran does not seek war or territorial expansion but will resist what he described as pressure and “bullying,” as diplomatic efforts continue to ease tensions between Iran and the United States.
Pezeshkian said Iran’s efforts were focused on strengthening its defensive capabilities and protecting the country’s security. His comments come amid renewed tensions over the conflict with Washington and the future of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy shipments.
The Iranian president accused the United States of using military bases in Gulf countries to launch attacks against Iran and alleged that Washington was seeking to create divisions between Tehran and its neighbours.
Pezeshkian said Iran had resolved many of its disputes with neighbouring countries and was seeking to maintain regional relations. He added that if pressure and threats against Iran ended, there would be no reason for tensions to continue.
His remarks come as the United States and Iran remain locked in a broader confrontation over military activity, Iran’s nuclear programme and control of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
The waterway has been disrupted for months by the conflict, contributing to concerns over energy supplies, shipping costs and inflation. Reuters reported on Friday that Washington expects a possible agreement between Iran and Oman that could help reopen the strait, with the United States potentially lifting its naval blockade of Iranian ports if Tehran meets its commitments.
At the same time, Iran has warned Gulf countries that further US military strikes could trigger retaliation against regional energy infrastructure. Tehran has urged countries including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey and Pakistan to press Washington to halt further military action and pursue diplomacy.
US President Donald Trump has also recently said he prefers reaching a deal with Iran rather than continuing military confrontation, while warning that Washington remains prepared to escalate if negotiations fail.
Pezeshkian’s comments reflect Tehran’s broader effort to combine resistance to US military pressure with calls for a diplomatic resolution. Iranian leadership remains divided over how far negotiations should go, with pragmatic figures favouring a negotiated settlement while hardliners continue to oppose concessions.
The future of the diplomatic efforts remains uncertain, with the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s nuclear programme and regional security emerging as central issues in any potential agreement between Tehran and Washington.
