Iran President-elect Masoud Pezeshkian has rejected US pressure and praised Tehran's allies in a message outlining his foreign policy positions to the nation as he prepares to take office.
“The United States … needs to recognise the reality and understand, once and for all, that Iran does not – and will not – respond to pressure [and] that Iran’s defence doctrine does not include nuclear weapons,” Mr Pezeshkian said in the statement.
Mr Pezeshkian, a moderate who promised to lessen Iran's international isolation, said that Tehran would expand ties with neighbours and engage with Europe.
However, he also praised China and Russia, suggesting a degree of continuity in Iran's allegiances and positions.
“China and Russia have consistently stood by us during challenging times. We deeply value this friendship.
“Russia is a valued strategic ally and neighbour to Iran, and my administration will remain committed to expanding and enhancing our co-operation,” Mr Pezeshkian said.
He added that Tehran, which has been accused of sending military drones to Russia to be used in Ukraine, would support initiatives aimed at ending the war there.
Mr Pezeshkian has also pledged to re-engage with the international community over Iran's nuclear programme. Tehran maintains that it is developing nuclear energy for domestic use, but critics worry the country is trying to develop a nuclear bomb.
During presidential debates, the 69-year-old heart surgeon defended former president Hassan Rouhani, who signed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action nuclear deal with the US in 2015.
President Donald Trump abandoned the treaty in 2018 and increased sanctions on Iran. Mr Pezeshkian accused hardline rivals of sabotaging attempts by Mr Rouhani to renegotiate the treaty in 2021.
He now has a popular mandate to revive nuclear negotiations with the US. But ultimate decision-making in Iran is made by supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps having a significant influence.
He may also face a second Trump term. Although the former president is seen as unlikely to engage with Iran on the nuclear issue, Mr Pezeshkian said “we can do business with him” during the presidential debates.
During his election campaign, Mr Pezeshkian also praised Iran's recently improved relations with its Arab neighbours, especially Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
“The Iranian people have entrusted me with a strong mandate to vigorously pursue constructive engagement on the international stage while insisting on our rights, our dignity and our deserved role in the region and the world,” said Mr Pezeshkian.
“I extend an open invitation to those willing to join us in this historic endeavour,” he added.
The statement was titled My Message to the New World and published in the Tehran Times on Saturday.
He defeated hardline candidate Saeed Jalili by nearly three million votes in a run-off on July 5.
The election was called after former president Ebrahim Raisi died in a helicopter crash in northern Iran.
UAE squad
Humaira Tasneem (c), Chamani Senevirathne (vc), Subha Srinivasan, NIsha Ali, Udeni Kuruppuarachchi, Chaya Mughal, Roopa Nagraj, Esha Oza, Ishani Senevirathne, Heena Hotchandani, Keveesha Kumari, Judith Cleetus, Chavi Bhatt, Namita D’Souza.
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Eintracht Frankfurt v Wolfsburg (6.30pm)
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RB Leipzig v Cologne (9.30pm)
Sunday
Augsburg v Hertha Berlin (6.30pm)
Hoffenheim v Mainz (9pm)
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What is Reform?
Reform is a right-wing, populist party led by Nigel Farage, a former MEP who won a seat in the House of Commons last year at his eighth attempt and a prominent figure in the campaign for the UK to leave the European Union.
It was founded in 2018 and originally called the Brexit Party.
Many of its members previously belonged to UKIP or the mainstream Conservatives.
After Brexit took place, the party focused on the reformation of British democracy.
Former Tory deputy chairman Lee Anderson became its first MP after defecting in March 2024.
The party gained support from Elon Musk, and had hoped the tech billionaire would make a £100m donation. However, Mr Musk changed his mind and called for Mr Farage to step down as leader in a row involving the US tycoon's support for far-right figurehead Tommy Robinson who is in prison for contempt of court.
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
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- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
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- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Winners
Ballon d’Or (Men’s)
Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain / France)
Ballon d’Or Féminin (Women’s)
Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona / Spain)
Kopa Trophy (Best player under 21 – Men’s)
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona / Spain)
Best Young Women’s Player
Vicky López (Barcelona / Spain)
Yashin Trophy (Best Goalkeeper – Men’s)
Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City / Italy)
Best Women’s Goalkeeper
Hannah Hampton (England / Aston Villa and Chelsea)
Men’s Coach of the Year
Luis Enrique (Paris Saint-Germain)
Women’s Coach of the Year
Sarina Wiegman (England)
Votes
Total votes: 1.8 million
Ashraf Ghani: 923,592 votes
Abdullah Abdullah: 720,841 votes
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Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
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