The second day of the BRICS Summit 2026 in India witnessed a significant diplomatic assertion from the Middle East as Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian made it clear that his nation wouldn't succumb to external intimidation. Speaking on Saturday during the high-profile gathering, Pezeshkian emphasized that Iran remains steadfast against the combined pressure of the United States and Israel. He accused these nations of avoiding direct military engagement with the Iranian armed forces and instead choosing to target the essential infrastructure that supports the daily lives of ordinary citizens.
Defiance Against External Pressure
President Pezeshkian used the platform of the BRICS Summit to highlight what he described as a systematic campaign against the Iranian people. He alleged that instead of facing the Iranian military, the opposition has focused its efforts on damaging civilian infrastructure, food supplies, and means of employment. In a strongly worded statement shared on social media, the President challenged the nature of American engagement, questioning why the conflict is being waged against the basic necessities of the populace, while he stated that if the Americans consider themselves warriors, they should face the brave Iranian army rather than obstructing access to water, food, and medicine for the common people. He further asserted that the Iranian people can't be intimidated into submission and that the nation will never kneel before such tactics.
Clarification on Nuclear Ambitions
Addressing the long-standing allegations regarding Tehran's nuclear program, Pezeshkian dismissed claims that Iran is seeking to develop nuclear weapons. He argued that the United States and Israel are using these allegations as a mere pretext for potential military action. The President maintained that Iran's nuclear activities have always been conducted within the framework of internationally recognized regulations. He specifically pointed to Iran's membership in the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) as evidence of its commitment to global standards. According to Pezeshkian, Iran's nuclear sites are among the most heavily monitored in the world, with international inspectors frequently conducting oversight. He reiterated that everything has been done within the scope of international principles and that Tehran remains open to discussions on nuclear issues as long as they're within the NPT framework.
The Stance on Direct Negotiations
When questioned about the possibility of direct talks with the United States, particularly with Donald Trump, President Pezeshkian expressed significant skepticism. He cited a profound lack of trust between the two nations as a primary barrier. The President mentioned the historical context of the conflict that began on February 28, and specifically referenced the assassination of the former supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as a turning point that makes direct dialogue extremely difficult for Iranian society. He questioned the basis on which such an action was taken and stated that Iran can't make a hasty decision regarding unconditional talks. He also recalled a previous Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that had been signed between Tehran and Washington, which he claimed was later abandoned by the United States. Iran's current position remains that sanctions must be lifted and attacks against the country must cease before any meaningful progress can be made.
Questioning International Standards
In a final critique of the current global order, President Pezeshkian raised concerns about the lack of international scrutiny regarding Israel's nuclear capabilities. He pointed out that while Iran is a member of the NPT and subject to rigorous inspections, Israel isn't a member of the treaty and doesn't face similar investigations, while he accused the US and Israel of using Iran's support for Palestinians and its opposition to Israeli policies as a justification for military threats. The President concluded by reinforcing that Iran's stance is rooted in its right to sovereignty and its refusal to surrender under the weight of international sanctions and military posturing.