Iran Will Never Surrender Unconditionally, Says President Masoud Pezeshkian

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has declared that Iran will never surrender unconditionally, responding to recent comments made by U.S. President Donald Trump, who demanded unconditional surrender from Tehran before any negotiations could occur.

In a speech broadcasted on state television on Saturday, March 7, Pezeshkian emphasized, "Those who believe that Iran can be made to surrender unconditionally will die with that dream." His statement came in response to remarks by President Trump the previous day, where he insisted that there would be no agreement with Tehran unless Iran accepts unconditional surrender.

Trump made his remarks on March 6, the seventh day of the U.S.-Israeli joint attacks on Iran, through a post on his Truth Social platform. Analysts believe that Trump's call for unconditional surrender and the continuation of the military campaign in the Middle East has effectively closed any potential diplomatic channels to swiftly end the ongoing war.

President Pezeshkian further stated that Iran will stand firm on its sovereignty and national interests and will never bow to the pressures from Western countries. He assured, however, that Iran does not seek conflict with its neighbors and that the country has decided to step back from its previous policy of aggression towards neighboring states.

Additionally, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Bagheri expressed regret for attacks directed at neighboring countries, clarifying that these actions are a consequence of U.S. military presence in those countries. He emphasized that Iran does not have enmity with any neighboring state.

Pezeshkian also stated that Iran’s interim leadership council has decided that if no attacks are launched against Iran from neighboring countries, no further "attacks" will be directed at them. He expressed his apologies to these nations and reiterated that there is no animosity towards them.