US approach towards Iran: ‘You must correct your tone’: Iran’s Pezeshkian warns US against ‘coercion and intimidation’ at Munir meeting

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told Pakistani army chief Asim Munir that the United States must change its approach toward Tehran, warning that “coercion and intimidation” would complicate diplomatic efforts.Pezeshkian made the remarks during a meeting with Munir in Tehran on Monday, according to the Iranian president’s official website.Munir arrived in Iran for talks with Iranian officials amid rising regional tensions and continued friction between Tehran and Washington.The Iranian president also expressed hope that continued cooperation between Iran and Pakistan would help achieve the objectives outlined in a 14-point Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).“The United States must correct its tone and approach in its interactions with Iran, because relying on coercion and intimidation will only complicate implementation processes,” Pezeshkian said.He stressed that Washington should fulfill its commitments to Iran based on international law and norms.Pezeshkian also said Iran would resist pressure by relying on national solidarity.“Our nation will overcome any pressure and threat by relying on this solidarity,” he said.

Pezeshkian highlights regional cooperation and unity

During the meeting, Pezeshkian highlighted the need for lasting peace and security in the region and called for greater cooperation with Islamic countries and neighboring states.“The Islamic Republic of Iran is ready for any cooperation and interaction in economic, political and security dimensions with Islamic countries and its neighbors, because the Holy Prophet (PBUH) has always ordained peace and friendship,” he said.He also emphasized the importance of unity among Islamic countries, describing it as a deterrent against what he called the “conspiracies of the Zionist regime and the enemies of Islam.”“The unity and cohesion of Islamic countries is the most important deterrent against the conspiracies of the Zionist regime and the enemies of Islam, and if this convergence is achieved, the enemies will not be able to advance their sinister objectives,” Pezeshkian said.The Iranian president also referred to coordination within Iran to promote regional peace and stability and expressed hope that Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts would contribute to stability in the region.He said he hoped that “the Islamic world will achieve ever-increasing growth, dignity and pride.”Munir, in turn, thanked Pezeshkian for his efforts in establishing regional stability and peace.“To advance common goals and achieve a comprehensive agreement, it is essential that diplomatic processes be discussed and examined with complete precision and meticulousness,” Munir said, according to the Iranian president’s official website.The Pakistan army chief also welcomed the growing trend of bilateral cooperation between the two countries.He said that “the deep historical, religious and cultural commonalities between Pakistan and Iran are a valuable asset in overcoming the current complex circumstances and charting a bright future.”

Munir’s visit to Iran follows Trump’s call

Munir’s visit to Tehran comes after he spoke by phone with US President Donald Trump last week, according to US media reports. A source familiar with the conversation told CNN that Trump and Munir talked about Iran.Munir also met with Iranian officials during his visit. Iranian state broadcaster IRIB reported that he held talks with Major General Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.Rezaei also called on Washington to change its behavior and take practical steps to implement the 14-point MoU.Earlier on Monday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf also met with Munir in Tehran. According to a statement shared by Ghalibaf on Telegram, the two discussed what Iran described as repeated violations of the United States’ commitments under the MoU.“The commitments of the parties in the Memorandum of Understanding are clear, and it was the United States that, by violating its commitments, prevented the establishment of stability in the region and created another reason for mistrust in this country,” Ghalibaf said.He said Tehran remained committed to implementing the MoU and that Iran would not be affected by external pressure.“We are pursuing the implementation of the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding, and it is the United States that must fulfill its commitments based on the Memorandum of Understanding,” the statement cited.Munir also said he would continue his efforts to restore stability in the region, according to the statement.

Iran faces new economic pressure from the US

Munir’s visit comes as Washington has announced new economic sanctions against Iran.US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Monday unveiled new measures targeting 60 individuals, entities and vessels, stopping short of imposing the toughest sanctions threatened against countries that continue to trade with Iran.Iranian Economy Minister Ali Madanizadeh said Tehran was prepared to respond to the new sanctions.“We are fully prepared for US sanctions,” Madanizadeh said, according to Reuters.He said Iran had its own tools to respond to what he described as an economic attack and claimed that China and Russia had not accepted the US measures.Pakistan’s previous mediation efforts between Washington and Tehran resulted in an interim peace deal signed in June, but the Islamabad Memorandum subsequently collapsed.In this context, Munir’s meetings with Iran’s top political and security officials have focused on diplomatic processes, regional stability and the implementation of the 14-point MoU.