TEHRAN -- President Masoud Pezeshkian here Saturday criticized the language of threat against Iran, saying the country is willing to engage in negotiations “on equal footing.”
“The Islamic Republic of Iran seeks dialogue on equal footing. They threaten Iran on one hand and seek to hold negotiations on the other,” Pezeshkian said, referring to increased hostile rhetoric by the U.S. and its allies against the Islamic Republic.
“If you seek negotiations, then why are you making threats? Today, the United States not only humiliates Iran but also the world, and this behavior contradicts the request for dialogue,” he added.
Pezeshkian’s remark came after U.S. President Donald Trump called on Tehran to hold direct negotiations on its nuclear program or face possible bombing.
On Sunday, Trump once again threatened Iran with bombing and secondary tariffs if Tehran did not come to an agreement with Washington over its nuclear program.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Wednesday reiterated Tehran’s readiness to take part in indirect negotiations with the United States over its peaceful nuclear program, warning that U.S. threats are “complicating” the current situation.
Elsewhere in his remarks, Pezeshkian said it is imperative to improve Iran’s interaction with other countries on regional and international developments.
He stressed the importance of fostering consensus and unity in the country and said the settlement of internal disputes would thwart foreign conspiracies.
“If we set aside our internal disputes and embrace unity, the enemy will not covet us, and we will also be able to solve the people’s problems,” he said. 
Pezeshkian said all Iranians must join hands and make efforts to solve their problems.