TEHRAN, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Thursday exchanged views with Qatar's emir and Pakistani prime minister on the latest regional developments in the wake of U.S. "escalatory and destabilizing" actions.
In two separate phone calls with Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pezeshkian called for greater unity among Muslim states and continuing the path of diplomacy to de-escalate tensions, according to a statement from his office.
He praised Qatar and Pakistan for their "continuous and brotherly support" for Iran, expressing hope that the unity and solidarity among Islamic countries would be further strengthened and deepened.
Pezeshkian emphasized Iran's commitment to diplomacy based on dignity, international law, equality, and mutual benefit, free from threats or bullying. He said that if the United States genuinely seeks dialogue, it must cease "provocative and tension-provoking" actions and demonstrate its commitment through practical steps.
The Qatari emir and Pakistani prime minister expressed their decisive opposition to any action against Iran's security, independence, and territorial integrity, including through war, sanctions, or political interventions, underlining their countries' principled and fixed positions in support and solidarity with the Iranian government and people.
They stressed the need for continued diplomacy to pave the way for dialogue and political resolution of issues, warning that any further tension or conflict in West Asia could plunge the region into a cycle of widespread violence and instability, with "disastrous" consequences for all.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday that a "massive armada," headed by the Aircraft Carrier Abraham Lincoln and larger than the one sent to Venezuela, is heading toward Iran, and warned Tehran that "time is running out" to make a deal with the United States.
In response to Trump's threats in a Wednesday post on X, Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said, "Our brave armed Forces are prepared -- with their fingers on the trigger -- to immediately and powerfully respond to any aggression."
"At the same time, Iran has always welcomed a mutually beneficial, fair and equitable nuclear deal -- on equal footing, and free from coercion, threats, and intimidation -- which ensures Iran's rights to peaceful nuclear technology, and guarantees no nuclear weapons," he added. ■
