Iranian President: U.S. Must Change Tone; Coercion Only Complicates Procedures

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, meeting with Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir who is mediating an end to the war with the United States, asserted that the U.S. must change its tone and approach when dealing with Iran.

In a statement, the Iranian presidential office announced that President Pezeshkian made the remarks during his meeting with General Munir in the Iranian capital of Tehran on the 24th local time.

President Pezeshkian stated, "U.S. reliance on coercion and the display of force only complicates implementation procedures," emphasizing the need for the U.S. to fulfill its obligations toward Iran "based on (Iran's) legitimate rights and international norms."

He also expressed gratitude for Pakistan's efforts to mediate an end to the war, adding that he expects the goals outlined in the memorandum of understanding (MOU) to end the war between the U.S. and Iran to be achieved through "continued commitment and joint cooperation."

According to a statement released by the Pakistani military authorities on this day, discussions between General Munir and the Iranian leadership focused on measures to prevent further escalation, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and the termination of the conflict.

Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who visited Tehran alongside General Munir, stated in a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that "the talks (between the leadership of both countries) concluded in a very positive atmosphere and significant progress was made."

He added, "Our discussions focused on the Iran-U.S. conflict, Middle East tensions and the way forward, and the steps both sides must take to restore the Islamabad MOU," expressing hope that "this will lead to a comprehensive resolution of the conflict."

General Munir also expressed satisfaction with the expansion of cooperation with Iran, affirming that Pakistan will continue its role as a facilitator.

General Munir, regarded as a powerful figure in Pakistan, played a pivotal role in the process of signing the ceasefire MOU last June.

Prior to his meeting with President Pezeshkian, he also met with the Iranian chief negotiator, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and Mohsen Rezaee, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC).

The visit to Tehran by General Munir and Minister Naqvi has drawn attention as it coincided with the U.S. announcement of secondary sanctions, the so-called "economic D-Day" sanctions designed to economically isolate Iran.

The previous day, the U.S. Donald Trump administration announced new anti-Iran sanctions, including secondary sanctions on other countries engaging in specific trade of goods with Iran.

In response, Iran, which has endured high-intensity U.S. military attacks, maintained its stance of not yielding, stating that it has "established a two-year economic plan" to overcome U.S. economic sanctions.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.