At the 2025 Tehran Dialogue Forum, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized the importance of regional cooperation, ethical governance, and resistance to foreign coercion.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian inaugurated the 2025 Tehran Dialogue Forum (TDF) with a powerful speech urging a shift in the international order toward moral diplomacy, regional solidarity, and resistance to coercive policies.

 Speaking before diplomats, intellectuals, and regional leaders, Pezeshkian laid out a vision rooted in justice, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence, while firmly defending Iran’s sovereign rights.

 “We must accept that we live in a shared home,” Pezeshkian declared. “Justice must be established in this home—for all of us. As far as I know, every faith on Earth is awaiting a savior who will bring justice to this world.”

 In response to a question from Foreign Ministry official Saeed Khatibzadeh about the feasibility of ethical international relations, Pezeshkian asserted that human conscience naturally rejects oppression and violence. Quoting the renowned Persian poet Sa’adi, he emphasized the interconnectedness of humanity:

 “Human beings are members of a whole, in creation of one essence and soul. If one member is afflicted with pain, other members uneasy will remain.”

 Throughout his address, President Pezeshkian reaffirmed that meaningful regional dialogue must begin with sincere listening and partnership. He urged regional actors to build a new political narrative based on inclusion, not exclusion.

 “Our region today, more than ever, needs political rationality and a new narrative of peaceful coexistence—one built on partnership and shared understanding, not confrontation.”

 He also underscored the deep historical and cultural ties among neighboring peoples, saying “we are not strangers to one another—we share family ties across our borders. Our peoples are intertwined in ways that politics alone cannot define.”

Pezeshkian called for strengthened regional cooperation and denounced foreign meddling that has long fueled division and war, ading: “foreign powers have exploited our disunity to plunder our resources. It is our duty to unite and protect our people from poverty and conflict.”

 On the nuclear issue, Pezeshkian reiterated Iran’s firm commitment to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and to using nuclear technology exclusively for peaceful purposes, including health, agriculture, and industry. He made clear that Iran’s position is grounded not only in international law but also in religious and moral conviction:

 “Leader of the Islamic Revolution has declared the use and production of nuclear weapons to be haram—forbidden. And that is final. This is not just a policy; it is a binding religious principle.”

 He rejected persistent Western accusations that Iran seeks nuclear weapons as “baseless and war-driven,” and issued an open challenge to doubters:

 “Even President Trump said, ‘We must ensure Iran doesn’t have a nuclear bomb.’ Fine—let them come and inspect. We have nothing to hide. We don’t want a bomb. We want progress. We want a better life.”

 Pezeshkian criticized the double standards of nuclear policy, questioning why some countries are granted rights that others are denied:

 “Why is nuclear advancement acceptable for some nations, but not for us? We are an independent country with the same right to scientific development.”

 In a pointed condemnation of Israel’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank, Pezeshkian denounced the forced displacement of Palestinians and called for unified Islamic resistance:

 “Israel is expelling Palestinians from the West Bank and displacing millions in Gaza. This must end. Islamic countries must raise one voice in defense of Palestinian rights.”

 He lambasted Western governments for giving a “human face” to their acts of aggression while ignoring their own human rights violations:

 “Those who dress their violence in human rights rhetoric are following the path of deception. But this will not last—falsehood cannot endure.”

 Responding to questions about external pressures and sanctions, Pezeshkian emphasized that Iran’s strength lies in internal cohesion and constructive regional ties:

 “We know that certain Western countries and the Zionist regime seek to weaken Iran. But unity among our people, our ethnic groups, and our neighbors will allow us to overcome threats.”

 He firmly rejected any surrender to external pressure, stressing that: “as a free human being, I reject any form of bullying. Neither I, nor any free person in this nation or region, will ever bow to pressure. Free nations do not submit to force.”

 Looking ahead, the president expressed optimism:

 “With strong resolve and moral clarity, nothing can stand in our way. We are building a peaceful and secure future, one rooted in justice, solidarity, and truth.”

 The 2025 Tehran Dialogue Forum continues this week with high-level delegations from over 30 countries participating in panels on regional diplomacy, sustainable development, and collective security.