Beijing, September 1- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian granted an exclusive interview to China Media Group’s (CMG) “High-End Interview” program during his visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, held from August 31 to September 1. In his first trip to China since taking office in July last year, Pezeshkian discussed Iran-China relations, the situation in Central Asia, and Iran’s nuclear issue, while outlining his vision for regional peace and cooperation.
Praising China’s development achievements under strong leadership, Pezeshkian said the country is advancing on a path of unity and steady growth. He lauded China’s opposition to unilateralism and its consistent advocacy of multilateralism as “fair and commendable.” Reflecting on his earlier visit to China as a scholar a decade ago, he noted the “remarkable transformation in every corner of the cities.”
On Iran-China ties, Pezeshkian emphasized the millennia-old exchanges between two ancient civilizations, which have now matured into a comprehensive strategic partnership. He highlighted President Xi Jinping’s explanation of the Global Governance Initiative at the SCO Summit, which underscores sovereign equality, rule of international law, and opposition to double standards. “Iran is willing to work with China to turn vision into action, building together a world of peace, security, and justice,” he said.
Speaking on Middle East issues, the Iranian president pointed to China’s mediation in restoring diplomatic ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia as “a positive step toward achieving the goals of Iran’s supreme leader.” He added that China plays an important role in the international community, and could exert stronger and broader influence in the Middle East through organizations like the SCO and initiatives such as the Belt and Road, thereby fostering common prosperity.
On the recent activation of the UN Security Council’s “snapback sanctions” mechanism by Britain, France, and Germany, Pezeshkian criticized it as “a classic double standard.” He stressed that Iran has always complied with the nuclear agreement, while the U.S. withdrew unilaterally and Europe failed to uphold its obligations. “Yet they blame Iran, which is unacceptable,” he said, reaffirming that Iran’s supreme leader has declared the country will never pursue nuclear weapons. Iran remains committed to dialogue within the framework of international law, but “will never surrender to coercion or maximum pressure.”
On the Iran-Israel conflict, Pezeshkian reiterated that Iran is not an instigator of war but will exercise its right to defend itself if attacked. He condemned what he called Israel’s “policies of genocide and starvation” in Gaza and cross-border strikes in Syria and Doha, accusing the U.S. of complicity. He urged the international community to take action, stressing that lasting peace in the Middle East requires unity among nations, respect for territorial integrity, and equal cooperation — principles aligned with the SCO’s goals and the Global Governance Initiative.
A former heart surgeon, Pezeshkian described his governance philosophy through the metaphor of the “medical oath,” saying governments should serve all citizens equally, just as doctors treat all patients without discrimination. “Those who are suffering should not be made to suffer more,” he said. Facing domestic and international challenges, his “prescription” is fairness, cooperation, and multilateralism.
Concluding the interview, Pezeshkian expressed hope that the peoples of Iran and China would continue working together to build a prosperous and peaceful future.
Source: Tuhina–Hashim–Lili, China Media Group