By Desmond Nleya
NEW YORK — Iran has rejected what it described as US attempts to intimidate Tehran, while maintaining that it remains willing to pursue dialogue and negotiations to resolve tensions between the two countries.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian delivered the message during his address to the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York on Wednesday, saying Iran was prepared for diplomacy but would not accept negotiations conducted under military or political pressure.
Pezeshkian said any country seeking to pressure Iran through force should understand that Tehran remained ready for dialogue, diplomacy and negotiations, but would not accept what he characterised as the language of force.
His remarks came amid continued tensions between Washington and Tehran.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said reaching an agreement with Iran would require prolonged diplomatic efforts, while maintaining that military options remained available to the United States.
Meanwhile, Iran’s security chief Mohsen Rezaei warned countries enforcing US airline sanctions against Iran that their airports could face disruption.
The competing statements underscore the continuing standoff between Tehran and Washington, with Iran signalling a willingness to negotiate while rejecting pressure and the United States keeping military options on the table.
