Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran will keep pursuing the path of peace under the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed recently with the United States, provided that Washington helps build an atmosphere of trust. Pezeshkian told a press conference that now is the best time to reach an agreement, as there is solidarity, power and unity in the country.

He highlighted reciprocity in negotiations with the United States, saying Iran will match its commitments to the level of US compliance. Earlier, Iranian President reaffirmed the country’s commitment to pursuing dialogue to safeguard its rights, while emphasising that Tehran will not be forced to surrender. Pezeshkian made the remarks in an interview, published on the website of his office on Friday, defending the Iranian government’s decision to enter negotiations with the United States and sign the memorandum of understanding (MoU) on ending the war.

In June, Iran and the United States signed the MoU on ending the war on all fronts, including Lebanon. The two sides were scheduled to hold negotiations within a 60-day period to reach a final agreement, but recent escalation in the region has left the talks’ fate uncertain.