WANA (May 18) – Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that all people around the world have the right to life and dignity, and that if human rights are truly respected, there would be no reason for war, violence, or aggression.

 

Speaking on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at the Tehran Dialogue Forum, he emphasized: “Every human being is entitled to live in peace. Conflicts begin when these rights are ignored—exactly what the Israeli regime and its supporters are doing today by killing defenseless people and attacking the homes and lands of the oppressed.”

 

The President emphasized that if powerful nations stop thinking about invading others, conflicts would not arise. “Humans should help one another and share their achievements in health and knowledge. We must also respect the rights of animals and plants—otherwise, the cycle of life on this planet cannot continue.”

 

He added, “Every living being has rights, and if we ignore those rights, the consequences will ultimately affect us.”

 

Human Nature Rejects Oppression and Injustice

In response to a question about the feasibility of ethical politics in the new global order, the President stated, “I believe this planet will eventually find its way to peace—but it may take more time and dialogue. What matters is recognizing that this world belongs to all of us, not to any single group or faction. Justice must be established for everyone.”

 

He continued, “All divine religions—Islam, Christianity, Judaism—await a savior who will bring justice to the earth. This is deeply rooted in human nature. What we see today, however, is ego and malice leading to genocide and crimes that cannot endure—because human nature inherently rejects oppression and injustice. No human being willingly accepts or tolerates such crimes.”

 

“Message to the World” Was a Call for Cooperation

Responding to a question about his essay Message to the World, the President said it reflects the government’s desire for constructive engagement with the world, stronger ties with neighbors, and balance in foreign policy. “Unfortunately, this message was not accepted by the West. We do not seek conflict. We believe in the dignity of every human being. Painting acts of aggression and killing with a human face is pure deceit. Those who do this know they are wrong, yet they lack the courage to admit it.”

 

He revealed that the essay was written with the help of Dr. Zarif and was meant to show that “we extend the hand of friendship to everyone. The hostile image they portray of Iran is fabricated to stir up conflict in the region.”

 

Enemies Don’t Want Us to Live in Peace

Referring to Trump’s recent remarks during his visit to the region—where he labeled Iran a threat—the President asked, “Are we the ones bombing homes, killing scientists, scholars, and innocent civilians? Are we threatening the world with weapons, or are they, who have brought their arms to our region? Did we assassinate Ismail Haniyeh? Do we support such killings? No. It is the criminals who accuse others of causing insecurity. This is the death of ethics in politics—they created it.”

 

He stressed, “We’ve lived alongside our neighbors for thousands of years. They [the West] try to sow discord, sell arms, and then use that as a pretext to invade under the guise of peace, only to loot our resources.”

We Want a Region Full of Peace

“We’ve spoken with all regional leaders to foster brotherhood and cultural ties. Iran has 15 neighboring countries, and people in border provinces share family and friendly ties. Why should we fight each other? We want to build a peaceful and prosperous region together. Let us unite and enjoy life here—even if the enemy doesn’t want that.”

 

Endless Wars to Loot Nations’ Resources

On the issue of contradictory messages from U.S. officials, the President referenced Mitchell Calhoun’s Endless War, saying the U.S. perpetuates wars to plunder resources and impose its economy on others. “Naturally, the world’s nations won’t accept the looting of their wealth, and the U.S. won’t give up its interests easily—so the endless war continues.”

 

Without Persian Gulf Energy, the West Would Collapse

He warned that without Persian Gulf energy, the West would be paralyzed. “That’s why they provoke conflict—to extract resources at any price and make us threats to one another. They want to take our oil, sell us weapons, and then invite themselves to invest in our country!”

 

He insisted that the region has a right to scientific and educational development. “They label us a threat just to sell more arms to others. They plunder our wealth and leave nothing for our people.”

 

The solution, he said, lies in “solidarity and unity among regional countries. There must be development in the Middle East. It makes no sense to have wealth in the region yet remain unable to benefit from it—while also watching our environment deteriorate.”

 

We Have the Right to Peaceful Nuclear Technology

The President asserted Iran’s right to use peaceful nuclear technology for health, agriculture, industry, and other vital sectors. “Our religious beliefs prohibit the development of nuclear weapons—tools of destruction that hold nothing but savagery for the future of the planet. Claims that Iran is seeking nuclear arms are baseless and warmongering.”

 

He added, “Even former U.S. President Trump said, ‘We must ensure Iran doesn’t have a nuclear weapon.’ Fine—let them inspect. We have nothing to hide. We are not pursuing nuclear weapons. We believe in using science and technology for progress, not for destruction.”

 

He concluded, “As a free human being, I reject all forms of coercion. And so do all free people in this region. Free nations will never accept tyranny.”

Muslim Unity Prevents Injustice

Asked how to address the deep wounds of Palestine, the President replied, “In various talks with regional leaders, we have emphasized the need for a united regional voice and a commitment to human rights. A united front is necessary to defend the rights of our people and counter any aggression. If we are united, no one will dare violate our rights.”

 

He recalled the Prophet Muhammad’s peaceful message after the conquest of Mecca, highlighting the ideal of Muslim brotherhood. “If Islamic countries speak with one voice against injustice, they can stop such crimes.”

 

On the question of how the international community should respond to the forced displacement of Gaza’s people, he said, “I believe we are partly to blame. If Islamic countries set aside their differences and stand together with mutual respect, aggressors would not be able to carry out such actions.”

 

Iran Never Has and Never Will Seek Nuclear Weapons

Asked what kind of agreement could come from the indirect negotiations with the U.S., the President said, “We believe the rights of all countries must be respected, including the right to peaceful nuclear energy, as outlined in the NPT. They say they don’t want Iran to have nuclear weapons—but our supreme leader has repeatedly forbidden such weapons. Our track record and our beliefs are clear.”

 

The President stated: “Our religious beliefs hold that the use of such tools—which destroy life and existence—is the most terrifying act a living being can commit against the Earth. These kinds of weapons are fundamentally at odds with our human and ethical principles.”

 

Pezeshkian added: “The U.S. officials’ claims about a possible nuclear weapons program in Iran are baseless. Iran has repeatedly stated that it is not pursuing nuclear weapons, and the Supreme Leader’s fatwa explicitly forbids their production. Even Trump admitted, ‘We need to know Iran doesn’t have nuclear weapons.’ They can evaluate all they want—any attempt to produce nuclear weapons in Iran would contradict both the country’s official stance and its religious beliefs.”

No Free Human Accepts Oppression or Bullying

During the continuation of the meeting, the President was asked about decisions affecting future generations. He responded: “As a human being in this country, I do not accept any form of bullying or injustice. This stance is not just mine; it is shared by all free and conscientious people across the region and the world. We abhor oppression and tyranny—this is a natural human instinct. No free human approves of coercion, injustice, or cruelty.”

 

We Will Not Abandon Our Peaceful Nuclear Program

Pezeshkian stated: “We will by no means abandon our peaceful nuclear program. Threats and sanctions will not deter us from continuing on this path. For years, we have been under sanctions, yet we have continued to progress. If we maintain strong ties with our neighbors, no power will be able to hinder our development. Every region has its own priorities and goals.”

 

We Seek Peace—But Will Not Back Down from Our Rights

The President emphasized: “We have capable scientists, elites, and experts who dedicate their lives to the progress of our nation. From a belief standpoint, we do not fear martyrdom. There’s no need for others to try to scare us by coming into our region and issuing threats, claiming to seek peace while displaying their weapons and military equipment.”

 

Pezeshkian added: “We are in pursuit of peace, but we will not compromise on our rightful claims. If the other side truly believes in peace, they must set aside their arms. We seek brotherhood with our neighbors and the entire world—but we will firmly defend our legitimate rights.”

 

We Have No Right to Overlook the Rights of Any Gender or Nationality

In response to a question about how much a successful foreign policy depends on internal consensus, the President said: “Today, the Zionist regime, the United States, and even European countries are focused entirely on portraying us as weak. They believe there is division and discord in Iran, and that they can impose their policies on us.”

 

Pezeshkian continued: “In Iran, we have tried to establish unity, empathy, and solidarity—ethnically, racially, religiously, and in terms of human beliefs—as much as we possibly can. We seek a united Iran where no individual’s rights, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, or gender, are ignored.”

 

The President stated: “We want to implement these values within our country and also defend them on the global stage. We do not wish to make hollow slogans or proclaim values to the world while ignoring the rights of ethnicities, religions, or genders within our own borders. We are working to promote harmony, shared language, and common vision throughout the country.”

 

Pezeshkian added: “We hope that by continuing the current domestic approach and strengthening warm relations with our neighbors, those who claim such progress is impossible will not be able to bring us to our knees. Where there is will, a demand for justice, and a pursuit of human rights, falsehood cannot hinder progress. Still, they are greedy, and we say clearly: they are mistaken.”

 

He emphasized: “We believe in aggression against no country, no individual, and not even any living being. Our aim is to preserve the environment and live peacefully alongside all creatures, even animals. How can we consider killing, destruction, and the annihilation of human beings as an achievement?”

 

The President continued: “America presents itself as a messenger of peace while speaking of unimaginable destructive weapons. It has ignited an endless war in the region, a war that is not easily escapable. When the U.S. moves toward war, its goal is to destabilize and dominate the region in order to seize its abundant and valuable resources.”

 

Let Us Build Our Region Together, Hand in Hand

At the end, Pezeshkian expressed his gratitude to the foreign guests attending the Tehran Dialogue Forum and said: “We have extended our hand of friendship to all of you—and we will continue to do so. You are our brothers and neighbors; we are all human and brothers to one another. We are ready to offer our knowledge and skills in any area where we are capable and where it is needed for a better life. Let’s cooperate and share our knowledge and experiences.”

 

The President emphasized: “Let us join hands to build a region where peace, tranquility, humanity, and justice prevail. We, together, have the ability to maintain peace and security in our region. We do not need others to be present in our homeland. They should return to their own lands. We can continue our lives as we did in the past—but this time, with a deeper and more friendly outlook. I wish you continued success.”

 

The Tehran Dialogue Forum officially opened Sunday morning with keynote speeches by President Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, and the participation of over 200 delegations from 53 countries, including senior officials, ministers, regional and global decision-makers, and UN representatives.

 

The two-day event, hosted by the Institute for Political and International Studies (IPIS), features 40 expert panels, live broadcasts, and coverage by 50 international media outlets—positioning Iran as a proactive and responsible player in both regional and global diplomacy.

 

This year’s conference is titled: “Regional Agency in Global Order and Disorder: Consensus or Division?”

It seeks to provide a platform for dialogue, consensus-building, and rethinking the emerging regional order through informal diplomacy and high-level exchanges.

This report will be updated.