TEHRAN, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Friday that Tehran has consistently pursued engagement and dialogue to resolve disputes and is not seeking war.
Pezeshkian made the remarks during a phone call with United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in which the leaders discussed recent regional developments, particularly following a U.S. military buildup in West Asia, according to a statement on the Iranian president's official website.
"Iran prioritizes safeguarding security and establishing lasting peace and stability in the region," Pezeshkian said. He criticized Western countries, saying their actions show a lack of practical commitment to diplomacy and international law despite their claims.
Iran's approach, he said, is based on "dignity-based diplomacy," engagement within the framework of international law, mutual respect, and refraining from threats or coercion. "Any aggression against the country and its people will be responded to immediately and decisively," he added.
The UAE president reaffirmed his country's commitment to supporting initiatives that promote regional security and stability, according to the UAE's official WAM news agency. Both sides stressed the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in addressing challenges and maintaining peace in the region.
The call comes amid heightened U.S.-Iran tensions. U.S. President Donald Trump said a "massive armada," led by the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln, is heading toward Iran, warning that "time is running out" for Tehran to reach a deal with Washington. On Friday, Trump said he has set a deadline for Iran and communicated it directly to Tehran.
The U.S. has said a deal with Iran must include a ban on uranium enrichment, removal of already-enriched uranium, a cap on long-range missiles, and a rollback of support for regional proxies -- all conditions Tehran has rejected.
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said Friday in Istanbul that Iran is open to negotiations with the United States, but not under threat. ■
