Iranian pres. affirms commitment to talks ahead of expected US peace deal

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Sunday that Iran's Supreme National Security Council had concluded that negotiations should continue to achieve a breakthrough, hours before the expected signing of a peace agreement with the US. Speaking during a meeting with media officials in Tehran, Pezeshkian said decisions related to war and negotiations fall under the authority of the Supreme National Security Council, which represents all pillars of the Iranian system, including the Supreme Leader. He stressed that personal demands cannot be imposed as national positions through media pressure or political campaigns aimed at influencing decision-making centers in the country. Pezeshkian also criticized what he described as certain attitudes toward Iran's negotiating team, saying it was regrettable that officials tasked with safeguarding national interests were being accused of treason. Such accusations, he added, are inconsistent with fairness and integrity, emphasizing the importance of supporting those carrying out their official duties in pursuit of the nation's interests.