The combo photo shows Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian (R) and President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. (Photo by president.ir)

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian says Tehran will never welcome war, while simultaneously issues a stern warning that any aggression against the country or its people will be met with an "immediate and decisive" response.

Pezeshkian made the remark in a phone conversation with President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Friday amid heightened tensions between Iran and the United States.

"Iran has not and will not welcome war in any way, and sees war as benefiting no party. However, regrettably, Western parties have, through their actions, shown that despite their claims, they have no practical commitment to diplomacy and the principles of international law," Pezeshkian said.

He added that Iran`s approach is based on interaction and dialogue based on international law, mutual respect, and the avoidance of threats and force to resolve issues.

However, the Iranian president emphasized, any aggression against the country and the nation will be responded "immediately and decisively."

He said the United States and Israeli regime have carried out hostile measures against the country, including applying pressure and sanctions, imposing the 12-day war in June, inciting and supporting recent riots, as well as taking threatening and warmongering stances.

He reiterated that ensuring security and establishing sustainable peace and stability in the region is among Iran`s fundamental priorities.

Pezeshkian hailed Muslim countries` positions in support of the Islamic Republic and stressed the importance of making constant efforts among regional states to reduce tensions and stabilize peace and stability.

He noted that the expansion of ties with the neighboring and Muslim countries in all fields is among strategic priorities in Iran`s foreign policy.

The phone call comes amid a sharp rise in threatening rhetoric from Washington. US President Donald Trump recently told reporters that "another beautiful armada" of warships was moving toward Iran.

In subsequent remarks and online posts, Trump said the deployment was aimed at pressuring Tehran into negotiations, warning that failure to reach a deal would trigger a military strike "far worse" than the US attack on Iranian nuclear facilities in June 2025.

Iran has repeatedly rejected threats and coercion, insisting that diplomacy cannot succeed under pressure or intimidation. It has said it is ready for talks if they are fair and based on mutual respect, while warning that any military attack by the US or its allies against Iranian interests would be met with a swift and decisive response.

A US naval strike group has been in Middle Eastern waters since Monday, and Trump has warned it is "ready, willing and able" to hit Iran "if necessary."

UAE makes diplomatic efforts to ease tensions in region: Al Nahyan

The Emirati president said his country is making diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions in the region.

He commended Iran`s principled stance on pursuing diplomacy and dialogue to resolve issues and avoiding any war.

He expressed his country`s readiness to play a constructive role in diplomatic processes aimed at finding approaches which would improve security, peace, stability, and sustainable progress in the region.