Iran Continues US Communications Via Qatar, Pakistan, President Says

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Iran continues to communicate with the United States through intermediaries in Qatar and Pakistan. He revealed that these two nations relay messages between Tehran and Washington, but emphasized that Iran's trust in the U.S. has been severely undermined by recent events. Pezeshkian told Al Jazeera that previous negotiations were followed by attacks and sanctions, leading Iran to no longer view the U.S. as a reliable dialogue partner, though the channel for indirect contact remains open.

The current diplomatic process is linked to a memorandum of understanding signed in June, which Pezeshkian noted proved short-lived and was violated amid disagreements over the Strait of Hormuz. The Iranian president believes the crisis surrounding this strategic waterway cannot be resolved militarily, advocating instead for regional security through cooperation among Middle Eastern countries, stating, "We do not need a regional policeman."

Pezeshkian also asserted that Iran has endured "American-Israeli attacks" and intends to continue resisting pressure. He denied Tehran's involvement in the renewed hostilities between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis in Yemen, expressing Iran's readiness to help resolve the Saudi-Yemeni conflict and reiterating Tehran's commitment to not escalating regional wars.

Separately, Pezeshkian addressed the health of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, telling CBS that Khamenei is in good health and experiencing no medical issues. Pezeshkian, who has met with Khamenei twice since the leader's ascension, described their second meeting as lasting over seven hours, during which Khamenei was able to change positions and did not seem bothered by the duration. Khamenei has not appeared publicly since becoming Supreme Leader.