Iranian president says ready to clinch deal with US but won't beg for one

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Monday the country remains open to reaching a deal with the United States, but warned Tehran will continue on its own course if Washington refuses to engage on equal terms.

"In negotiations with the United States, we are ready to reach an agreement within a defined framework and while safeguarding national interests. However, if they are unwilling to negotiate with us on equal footing, we will continue on our own path," Pezeshkian said.

"As the Supreme Leader has said, we are neither optimistic nor pessimistic."

"We are not looking for conflict," he added, "but we also do not accept force or bullying."