Bashizakyan defends negotiation: War is not a solution
Tehran, Agencies: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian affirmed that war is not always the solution, emphasizing the need to adopt wisdom and prudence in addressing crises, while maintaining caution toward the opposing party and adhering to any agreement reached. In a speech delivered on the evening of the previous day (Wednesday), corresponding to the fourth of Shahrivar in the Iranian calendar, Pezeshkian stated, “The people have proven that if necessity demands it, they can fight and will not retreat. However, war is not always the solution, and a knot that can be untied by hand should not be bitten with teeth.”
Shahrivargan, celebrated on this day according to the solar calendar, is one of Iran’s ancient festivities and is referred to in some sources as an occasion to honor fathers. Pezeshkian added that Iran can navigate the current phase through prudence and reflection, moving toward what he described as dignity and elevation. He described the recent memorandum of understanding as “a document of pride for the Islamic Republic,” noting that international analyses considered Iran victorious in the confrontation, while some within the country are crafting a narrative suggesting it suffered defeat. He continued, “It is true that we do not trust the enemy, and this is natural, but we will strive with wisdom to emerge from this crisis.”
Pezeshkian cited a message from Imam Ali (peace be upon him) to Malik al-Ashtar regarding peace, stating, “Do not reject a peace offer from the enemy if it brings God’s pleasure, for peace provides comfort to soldiers and security for the people and markets.” He clarified that calling for acceptance of peace does not mean abandoning caution, pointing out the necessity of dealing with prudence, insight, and foresight, given the possibility that the opposing party might exploit the phase of rapprochement to achieve other objectives. The Iranian president stressed that fulfilling commitments is among the most important religious obligations, affirming that any agreement reached must be honored and its violation countered.
He noted that all members of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, except for one member, endorsed the recent memorandum of understanding, asserting that its defenders, in his words, seek to protect the country’s dignity and interests rather than make concessions. He concluded that continuing the path must be based on “thinking, rationality, interest, dignity, and wisdom,” adding that Iran will continue its course through unity, coordination, and strength.
On the domestic front, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf responded to hardliner Hossein Shariatmadari, editor-in-chief of Kayhan newspaper and representative of the Supreme Leader, who called on the negotiation team to reject dialogue with US officials. Shariatmadari had written an article titled “We Want Trump’s Head,” urging the negotiation team to declare its refusal to negotiate with officials it held responsible for Khamenei’s death. In a lengthy message, Qalibaf stated that negotiations, for him, “are not a value in themselves nor are they forbidden,” adding that “engagement with the world differs from subservience and surrender.”
He criticized those who “shirk responsibility for negotiating with the enemy” yet wait to “label every achievement of the negotiation team as treason,” considering such behavior “a demand for immunity.” He further argued that rejecting “Westernization” does not mean regarding every dialogue Tehran conducts from a position of strength, or every attempt to secure Iranians’ rights, as a “compromise or emotional reaction.” Qalibaf urged Shariatmadari to avoid “hasty interpretations.”
