TEHRAN, Aug 4: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday dismissed speculation that he plans to resign, saying he remains fully committed to his role and is working in coordination with the country's military leadership.
"I will not resign, and I will stand firm," Pezeshkian said in a preview of an interview scheduled to air on Iranian state television. "If I resign, I will formally announce that I have resigned."
His comments came after senior cleric Mohammad-Bagher Kharrazi claimed that Pezeshkian had threatened to resign multiple times but withdrew after being warned that any future resignation would be accepted.
Rumors about Pezeshkian's position have circulated for months. In May, Iran International reported that the president had submitted a resignation letter to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's office, alleging that his administration had been sidelined from key decisions while hardline factions consolidated control. Iranian authorities denied those reports at the time.
In the same interview, Pezeshkian said Iran has no intention of prolonging or expanding military conflict, while emphasizing the country's right to defend itself.
"We will defend our boundaries, but we are not seeking to expand the war or continue it," he said, describing conflict as "a disease" that harms societies and nations alike.
He also stressed the importance of national unity, arguing that reducing internal divisions would strengthen Iran against external threats.
"We must work under these circumstances to build a healthy society so that the enemy is not tempted to enter it, tear apart our social fabric and destroy it," he said.
Meanwhile, Pezeshkian's candid conversation with the public will be released in four parts, beginning tonight.
In the pre-recorded address, Pezeshkian, while outlining the administration's achievements and actions over the past two years, has spoken about current issues, particularly the subject of war and negotiations.(UNI)
