Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran would not accept any pressure intended to force it into submission. Speaking on Friday in the third and final part of a televised address marking the second anniversary of his swearing-in as president, he said the Islamic Republic would continue to defend its rights and maintain its military and defence capabilities.

Pezeshkian said Iran would fight if others sought to compel it to submit. “We will not retreat, and we will not bow our heads,” he said. He also questioned why Iran should follow the path desired by Israel when it is able to defend its rights.

The president’s remarks stressed Iran’s stated commitment to preserving its rights and defence capacity. The address was the concluding segment of his televised message for the anniversary of his inauguration. The report did not provide details of any new policy measures, negotiations or reactions from other parties.