New Delhi [India], March 4 (HBTV): Iran has signalled its willingness to engage in talks to end the ongoing conflict with the US and Israel, stating that negotiations must be conducted 'with dignity' and without external pressure.
Speaking to ANI, Abdul Majeed Hakeem Ilahi, Special Representative of Iran’s Supreme Leader, said, 'We are ready to stop the war. We are ready for negotiations. But the negotiation should be with dignity, not dictating something against Iran. We are defending ourselves. We are looking for our right and nothing else.'
He emphasised that Iran seeks guarantees against future attacks and the removal of sanctions as conditions for peace.
'No, in this circumstance, no one is ready for negotiation. Attacking us and we negotiate it? No. But if they stop the war and they have to give us the guarantee that they are not going to attack us again, and also to remove the sanctions against Iran, why are we not ready for negotiation? We are looking for the peace,' he said.
Ilahi accused the US of initiating the conflict and urged Washington to halt military actions. 'They are the ones attacking us and bombing our civilians; we are simply defending ourselves,' he said, adding, 'They started it, and they must be the ones to stop it; once they do, we will stop as well.'
He stated that Iran had been engaged in negotiations with the US through Oman prior to the recent escalation.
'We should look back at the events of last week. Iran had begun negotiating with America through Oman, and both parties were at the table. We were moving toward a conclusion. In fact, on the final day, the Omani Foreign Minister expressed his gratitude, noting that a significant opportunity had been provided. He stated that we had made substantial progress and achieved a great deal through these discussions. We were on the verge of issuing a joint statement, and we hoped the conflict would finally end. It was immediately after this that America and Israel attacked us,' he said.
The situation between Iran and the US-Israeli coalition has intensified in recent days, escalating into a high-intensity air campaign referred to as Operation Epic Fury.
US President Donald Trump dismissed Iran’s overtures as 'too late,' stating that Iran’s naval, air force, and air defence infrastructure had been largely 'obliterated.' He said military operations would continue until Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities were fully dismantled.
Ilahi maintained that Tehran continues to seek peace and prioritises national unity.
'We never left the negotiating table; they did. They were the ones to initiate this war against us. In times of conflict and crisis, security and peace are stripped away from everyone, and all are affected,' he said.
He further alleged that the US seeks to prevent the rise of other global powers.
'In the near future, the world’s most powerful nations will be India, China, Russia, and the United States. However, America does not want any partners; it does not want to see India or China emerge as powerful peers. Consequently, they instigate these wars to prevent this shift and maintain their global dominance,' he said.
Meanwhile, Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian said the country remains stable despite the exceptional situation.
'We are in direct contact with the governors. The situation is exceptional, but the country has not come to a halt. Ongoing activities are continuing across the country. By delegating the necessary authorities to the provinces, decision-making is carried out swiftly and in proportion to local conditions. National unity is our primary asset,' he said. (ANI)