WANA (May 19) – In a high-level meeting with Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed ongoing indirect negotiations between Tehran and Washington.

 

He declared that if the U.S. government is genuine in its stated concern over the potential development of nuclear weapons in Iran, the Islamic Republic is prepared to provide the necessary assurances. However, he emphasized that Iran will never yield to coercion.

 

The president made these remarks during a meeting held Monday evening in Tehran with Fuad Hussein, highlighting the deep-rooted and historic ties between Iran and Iraq.

 

“The relationship between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Iraq is not confined to recent years. It is founded on millennia-old bonds and shared roots,” Pezeshkian said. “Ethnic, linguistic, and cultural commonalities between the peoples on both sides of the border reflect unbreakable ties and the depth of our nations’ relationship.”

 

Expanding Bilateral Cooperation

Pezeshkian emphasized the broad potential for expanding cooperation between Iran and Iraq in sectors such as trade, industry, healthcare, academia, science, technology, and investment. “The more we deepen our engagement in these areas, the greater the shared and multiplied benefits for both our countries and peoples,” he noted.

 

He also praised the positive working relationships between provincial governors in border regions, calling these ties a solid foundation for enhancing cross-border trade and regional synergy. “Accelerating the completion of joint infrastructure projects, especially in the fields of transportation and rail connectivity, will further strengthen the bonds between Iran and Iraq,” Pezeshkian added.

 

Iran’s Peaceful Nuclear Intentions

Turning to nuclear diplomacy and Iran-U.S. indirect talks, President Pezeshkian reiterated, “If the U.S. government is sincere in its claim of concern about the development of nuclear weapons in Iran, we will provide them with assurances on this matter.”

 

He added, “However, the Islamic Republic of Iran will never submit to coercion, and it will not deprive its people of the peaceful achievements of the nuclear industry in the fields of health, medicine, agriculture, and industry. We do not take orders or seek permission from anyone for the growth and progress of our nation.”

 

 

“We stand ready to share our experiences and achievements with other Islamic nations and our neighbors, particularly in nuclear technology applications in medicine, agriculture, and industry.”

 

He affirmed that Iran remains open to collaboration with Iraq in all fields, stating, “Iraq’s development is our development, and Iran’s progress is Iraq’s progress.”

 

Iraq: “No Borders Between Us and Iran”

For his part, Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein expressed satisfaction with the meeting, conveying warm greetings from Iraq’s president and prime minister to the Iranian leadership and people. “Iraq’s relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran are dynamic and at an excellent level,” he said.

 

As the head of Iraq’s Economic Ministerial Council, Hussein delivered a comprehensive report on current opportunities and challenges in bilateral economic ties and reiterated Baghdad’s commitment to completing joint projects, particularly in transportation and railways.

 

Highlighting cultural and academic cooperation, he added, “There are no borders between us and Iran. Each year, millions of Iranian and Iraqi pilgrims visit the holy shrines in both countries with devotion and love. These religious bonds are a priceless asset for unity between our nations.”