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Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian thanked President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan for Türkiye's constructive role in Iran's negotiations with the United States. He declared Tehran ready for "any verification" to prove its nuclear program is peaceful.
Speaking at Azadi Square in Tehran on the 47th anniversary of Iran's Islamic Revolution, Pezeshkian expressed gratitude to multiple countries for their diplomatic efforts.
"I thank the president of Türkiye and the foreign minister. I thank Azerbaijan, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Egypt for showing sensitivity on the Iran issue, for their efforts to resolve problems through diplomacy, and for their efforts to prevent the malicious plans of Israel and the United States from being implemented," Pezeshkian added.
Pezeshkian reiterated that Iran is not pursuing nuclear weapons and offered to prove it.
"We are not seeking to acquire nuclear weapons. We have stated this repeatedly and are ready for any verification," the Iranian president said.
However, he blamed the U.S. and Europe for creating distrust.
"Statements made by the United States and Europe are creating a wall of distrust. This is why the negotiations are not concluding," Pezeshkian stated.
Pezeshkian struck a defiant tone regarding negotiations, saying Iran would not capitulate to pressure.
"Our country, Iran, will not yield to their excessive demands," he said.
"Our Iran will not yield in the face of aggression, but we are continuing dialogue with all our strength with neighboring countries to establish peace and tranquility in the region," Pezeshkian added.
He emphasized Iran's commitment to independence: "We rose up to be independent, to tell the world that Iranians and Muslims are capable of building their own country."
In a notable acknowledgment, Pezeshkian apologized to the Iranian people for the events during the January protests that left thousands dead.
"What happened on Jan. 8 and 9 created great sorrow for our country. We are ready to listen to the voice of the people. As a government, we are working with all our strength and striving to solve all problems with determination," he said.
"We are ashamed before the people. We are obligated to serve all those who were harmed in this process. We are the servants of the people," Pezeshkian added.
He said the government welcomes protests but rejects "destruction, sabotage and killing," adding: "No free person asks the enemy to attack their country."
Protests began on Dec. 28, 2025, led by merchants at Tehran's Grand Bazaar amid the rapid depreciation of the local currency and deepening economic hardships.
The demonstrations spread nationwide and intensified on Jan. 8, prompting authorities to block internet access before security forces intervened on Jan. 8-9 to suppress them.
Iran's Martyrs and Veterans Foundation reported that 3,117 people were killed in the protests, including security forces and civilians. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) put the death toll at 6,984.
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