WANA (Jul 19) – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said, “We consider ourselves committed to international law and, because we are confident in the transparency and peaceful nature of our nuclear activities, we have never had any concern about inspections and monitoring. However, we firmly stress that the imposition of force, pressure, and the deprivation of our nation’s legitimate rights is entirely unacceptable.”

 

In a phone conversation today (Saturday) with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Pezeshkian referred to regional and international developments—particularly following the ceasefire after the 12-day war waged by Israel and the United States against Iran—as well as European efforts to persuade the Islamic Republic to resume negotiations. He emphasized: “Iran, based on its principled policies, has always supported any initiative that contributes to the promotion of peace and security.”

 

He added: “Iran, as history shows, has never sought war or instability, and has consistently played a significant and constructive role in establishing regional peace and stability. However, while we were engaged in dialogue and negotiations, we came under attack by the Zionist regime in clear violation of all international norms and laws. Subsequently, the United States, in full coordination with that regime, bombed our nuclear facilities—which were under full legal supervision and inspection.”

 

Referring to the inaction and silence of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in the face of this aggressive and criminal act, the President said: “This failure provoked deep outrage and dissatisfaction among the Iranian people and members of Parliament. At a minimum, our nation expected the Agency to condemn the attack on our nuclear facilities in accordance with international regulations—but regrettably, the IAEA failed to do so.”

 

Expressing regret over the disregard for legal treaties by self-proclaimed defenders of international law and global organizations, Pezeshkian stated: “While the Islamic Republic of Iran has repeatedly demonstrated the peaceful nature of its nuclear program under IAEAIAEA monitoring and has emphasized the prohibition of nuclear weapons based on the Supreme Leader’s religious decree (fatwa), judgments about our nuclear program continue to be based on false claims, fabricated intelligence, and media propaganda.”

 

He stressed that the IAEA, according to its charter with member states, is obligated to uphold their rights, and reiterated: “Just as we are committed to international law and have no fear of inspection due to the transparency and peaceful nature of our nuclear activities, we insist that no form of coercion, pressure, or denial of our legal rights is acceptable.”

 

Criticizing the blatant double standards of countries claiming to uphold human rights in the face of war, massacres, and aggression by the Israeli regime, the President said: “What is happening today in Gaza—from the killing of women and children and acts of genocide, to the prevention of access to water, food, and medicine—violates every legal, ethical, and humanitarian standard. Yet, the so-called defenders of human rights have turned a blind eye to these atrocities and remained silent in the face of this regime’s warmongering and crimes.”

 

Elsewhere in the conversation, Pezeshkian described Iran-Armenia relations as historic, friendly, and constructive. He added: “Our policy is based on constructive engagement with all neighboring countries, while upholding the territorial integrity of all states. We emphasize the strengthening of mutual cooperation, joint initiatives, and future planning to deepen bilateral relations.”

 

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, in turn, offered condolences for the Iranian lives lost during Israeli attacks and condemned the aggressive actions. He reaffirmed Armenia’s desire to expand ties with the Islamic Republic of Iran and said, “We are eagerly awaiting your visit to Armenia so we can discuss, in person, ways to enhance bilateral cooperation and relations.”