TEHRAN - Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has reaffirmed the country's commitment to pursuing dialogue for safeguarding its rights while highlighting that Tehran will not be forced to surrender.

Pezeshkian made the remarks in an interview, published on the website of his office on Friday, defending the Iranian government's decision to enter negotiations with the United States and sign the memorandum of understanding on ending the conflict.

Pezeshkian said Iran remains committed to its obligations as long as the United States fulfills its commitments under the MoU, adding, "Wherever they fail to fulfill their commitment, we have no obligation to continue."

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Earlier this week, Pezeshkian denied that he was stepping down and said he would "continue his work resolutely". The remarks came amid rumored "divisions" within Iran's leadership over the MoU.

In June, Iran and the United States signed the MoU, under which the two sides were scheduled to hold negotiations within a 60-day period to reach a final agreement. However, renewed tensions between the two have left the talks' fate uncertain.