Iran's president says top security body backs 'path of dialogue'

TEHRAN -- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said here Sunday the country's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) has concluded that the "path of dialogue" must continue, read a presidency statement.

Speaking at a meeting with media directors, Pezeshkian elaborated on the government's approach to negotiations and foreign policy, including talks with the United States to end the war.

He said all actions must align with decisions made by Iran's legal institutions, and no individual or group should consider themselves above official decision-making mechanisms.

He highlighted the necessity to help Iran exit its current "neither war nor peace" situation, noting that late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei had previously granted permission for "dignity-based" negotiations.

Pezeshkian stressed the government's full commitment to the SNSC's decisions and Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei's guidelines, noting that all strategic decisions must be made through legal channels, with the SNSC responsible for determining matters of war and negotiations.

While assuring that Iran will not bow to any power, he said the Iranian government seeks breakthroughs and aims to safeguard the people's interests "through the path of retaining national power."

He said negotiations do not mean turning a blind eye to principles, and Iran will not surrender to any kind of "illegal bullying or pressure."

Maintaining national unity and solidarity is the country's top priority, he said.

The remarks came as an Israeli strike earlier in the day on the southern suburb of the Lebanese capital Beirut has cast new uncertainty over an emerging U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding on ending the war. Tehran has repeatedly insisted that any peace deal must include ending the war on all fronts, including Lebanon.

Iran's Supreme National Security Council warned Sunday evening of an imminent response to the Israeli strike, while Iran's main military command Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters said the Iranian armed forces "have their finger on the trigger."