Iran Says Diplomacy Still Primary Path, But US Must Honour Commitments

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian has reiterated that Tehran continues to view diplomacy and negotiations as the primary means of resolving disputes, even as tensions with the United States remain elevated. Speaking at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on Tuesday, Pezeshkian asserted that Iran did not initiate the war and had acted in self-defence.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran did not start the war; rather, it acted in self-defense," he said. "At the same time, Iran continues to view diplomacy and negotiations as the primary way to resolve disputes."

However, the president cautioned that diplomacy cannot yield lasting peace without good faith, respect for commitments, and a refrain from the use of force. He pointed to the United States' repeated violations of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding as evidence that the diplomatic process can break down when effective guarantees are absent.

Earlier in the day, Pezeshkian indicated that Iran was ready to return to the ceasefire deal reached with Washington in June, provided the US does the same. "If the U.S. returns to its commitments in the memorandum of understanding, the Islamic Republic of Iran will immediately reciprocate," he said.

The June memorandum had provided for an immediate ceasefire and opened a 60-day window for negotiations toward a broader peace deal. Under its terms, Iran agreed to clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz and allow safe passage for ships, while the US committed to ending its naval blockade, lifting sanctions, issuing waivers for Iranian oil exports, and beginning work on a reconstruction package.

The agreement broke down quickly. While a lull in fighting followed, the two sides exchanged fire over the weekend, with the US targeting Iranian missile launchers on Larak Island and Iran responding with missile strikes on American military facilities in Jordan, which were intercepted.

While Pezeshkian has long favoured a negotiated end to the war, the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard remains the most powerful force in Iran and is pressing for greater concessions from Washington, including Iranian control over the Strait of Hormuz and financial compensation. Those conditions are likely to be unacceptable to the US.