Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has stated that while Iran believes in negotiations, it will not engage in talks "at any cost", stressing that the United States must prove it seeks genuine dialogue, according to an official statement seen by bnm IntelliNews on April 7.

Iran said on April 6 that it would conduct negotiations with President Donald Trump through Omani officials. Tehran also said it would not fail to defend its military and nuclear developments if threatened. Pezeshkian's comments come as Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with Trump over the situation in Gaza and the 17% tariffs levied on Tel Aviv.  

"We are not seeking war, unrest or nuclear weapons. We are seeking negotiations, but the Americans must also prove they are seeking negotiations," Pezeshkian said during a meeting with representatives of civil society organisations.

The president added that Iran's intention not to use its nuclear capabilities for non-peaceful purposes "is not just my word, but the religious decree of the Supreme Leader."

Speaking about foreign policy, Pezeshkian stated: "When a country like America puts us under comprehensive pressure and threatens us every day, how can we negotiate with them?"

"We believe in negotiation, but not with humiliation. We negotiate with the whole world and don't have quarrels with anyone, but we won't accept humiliation and won't negotiate at any cost," the president said.

On domestic challenges, Pezeshkian noted: "Government is not reformed by changing individuals, and organisational behaviour change will not be achieved in one or two years, but requires a decade."

The president highlighted his administration's efforts to address social problems, saying: "Social issues are not solved by simply writing prescriptions. We have plans to address problems such as school shortages, livelihood issues, employment, and imbalances, but having plans alone is not sufficient."

"With these imbalances, the country cannot be managed; we did not create these imbalances, but we have inherited them. Nevertheless, people rightfully expect us to resolve these imbalances, and the government is working on this," he added.

Earlier on April 5, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi indicated Tehran's readiness to explore indirect talks with the United States while dismissing direct negotiations as "meaningless," bnm IntelliNews previously reported.

The top diplomat's comments repeat earlier statements made by himself and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, saying that Iran was opposed to direct talks but would use an intermediary country, this time Oman, for discussions with the Americans.

If the US were to meet Iranian demands, including the removal of sanctions and the release of Iran's trapped assets in the US and South Korea then Tehran may be willing to have direct discussions.