Rights granted under international law cannot be taken away through war, threats: Iranian president

​​​​​​​By Rania Abu Shamala

ISTANBUL (AA) - Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stressed Saturday that the rights granted to nations under international law “cannot be taken away through war and threats.”

The Iranian president said in a call with his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, that his country is ready for dialogue and cooperation to build confidence around its peaceful nuclear activities but hastened to add that it will never accept demands to halt its enrichment program, according to state-run Press TV.

“At the same time, our response to the Zionist regime’s aggression will be even more forceful and resolute,” he said. “Iran is prepared for negotiations to resolve issues, but any discussions or preconditions will only be accepted if they align with the rights and norms recognized under international law.”

Hostilities broke out June 13 when Israel launched airstrikes on several sites across Iran, including military and nuclear facilities, prompting Tehran to launch retaliatory strikes.

Israeli authorities said at least 25 people have been killed and hundreds injured since then in Iranian missile attacks.

Meanwhile, in Iran, 430 people have been killed and more than 3,500 wounded in the Israeli assault, according to the Iranian Health Ministry.