America Seeking To 'Divide And Rule' In Middle East: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian

UPDATED: Sep 12, 2026 22:37 ISTIn an interview with India Today, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian accused the United States of attempting to sow discord within Iran and across the Middle East. Pezeshkian stated, "their intention is to pit Arab countries against Iran, uh, so that we would be in quarrel and fight against each other, and then they will exploit our oil." Addressing outreach to neighboring Muslim countries, he explained that while Tehran engages in dialogue, problems arise because regional nations host American military bases used to target Iran, leaving the country with no choice but to defend itself. Read MoreVIDEOS FROM OTHER SECTIONSLATEST VIDEOS'They Martyred Our Leader, Now They Want To Talk': Iranian President Rules Out Quick Talks With USIn an interview, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed potential direct talks with the United States and diplomatic relations in the Middle East. Responding to whether Iran is open to unconditional dialogue with Donald Trump, Pezeshkian said, "They have martyred our leader," emphasizing that trust must be restored before any decision can be made. Addressing relations with regional neighbors, he stated, "We are not in war with Saudi Arabia, and the Houthis have their own problems." Pezeshkian called on regional countries, including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, to negotiate within a shared security framework, maintain trade, and pursue human unity rather than conflict.'How Can We Start Negotiation Again?': Iranian President Slams Americans As Unreliable NegotiatorsIn an interview, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed ongoing Iran-US tensions, peace negotiations, and ceasefire efforts. Pezeshkian stated, "We are not seeking war," emphasizing that Iran has not attacked another country in the past century and only acts in self-defense. Discussing failed agreements, he noted that Iran signed memorandums of understanding mediated by Pakistan and Qatar, but agreements were torn up. He stated that the United States must terminate sanctions and cease bullying behavior. Pezeshkian reaffirmed Iran's readiness to engage in talks regarding nuclear issues within the framework of the Non-Proliferation Treaty and internationally recognized principles.'Lies': Pezeshkian Rejects Trump's Iran Nuclear Weapon Claims, Highlights Israel's Nuclear AmbitionsIn an interview with India Today, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian rejected US allegations regarding Iran's nuclear programme, stating, "If we were, uh, seeking nuclear weapons, we wouldn't have become a member of NPT." He affirmed that Iran works within international principles under regular monitoring and reiterated that the country's leadership has repeatedly stated Iran is not seeking nuclear weapons. Pezeshkian questioned international inaction regarding Israel's nuclear arsenal and condemned military actions in Gaza and Lebanon, highlighting civilian casualties and the blockade of essential supplies.'Why Are They Fighting Us': Iran President Pezeshkian Says US Failed To 'Break' Iran, Its LeadersIn an interview with India Today, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian assessed Iran's standing six months into confrontation with the United States. He stated that military actions and aggression from Washington have unified the Iranian population and the broader region, remarking, 'what the US did, it made us more united.' Pezeshkian stated that the US envisioned conquering Iran within twenty-four hours to establish a puppet government, similar to its actions in other nations, but failed to break societal resistance. He explained that after military and infrastructure attacks were thwarted, the US resorted to economic blockades affecting food and medical supplies, calling these actions inhumane. He rejected Western allegations regarding Iran seeking weapons of mass destruction, questioning Western human rights claims amid ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon while civilian trade and essential supplies remain under sanction.