TEHRAN - Presidents of Egypt and the Republic of Azerbaijan say they are prepared to contribute to de-escalation efforts in the region.

The two heads of state announced their readiness in separate phone calls with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

In the phone call with his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, the Iranian president expressed his gratitude to Islamic countries for their heartfelt and responsible efforts to ease tensions in the region and for supporting Iran. Pezeshkian also highlighted Iran’s fundamental policy of boosting convergence and synergy as well as making ongoing efforts to consolidate and expand cordial relations with neighboring and Muslim countries within the framework of its foreign policy.

During the phone conversation, the Iranian president touched upon attempts by the United States and the Israeli regime to escalate hostility and animosity, create and impose wars, exert pressure, impose sanctions, and instigate riots and unrest in Iran.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran has never sought, and never seeks war, and strongly believes that war will be in the interests of neither Iran, nor the U.S. and the region,” the Iranian president explained.

Pezeshkian noted that Iran has always prioritized diplomacy over war to resolve issues, adding, “We hope the other side has reached the understanding that Iran cannot be coerced into holding talks through threats and force.”

“Obviously, any act of aggression or attack against the Islamic Republic of Iran’s soil will be met with a decisive and strong response; still, Iran seeks to settle issues through diplomacy,” said the Iranian president.

The Egyptian president, in turn, wished the Iranian people as well as other regional nations peace, stability and security, underlining that there are no military solutions to the settlement of issues.

He said any escalation of tensions and conflicts will have negative consequences not only for Iran, but also for the whole region.

He added Egypt will press ahead with its efforts to ease tensions and stands ready to support diplomatic efforts to resolve issues and boost regional stability.

In the call with Azeri President Ilham Aliyev, Pezeshkian noted that relations between the two countries are based on the principles of friendship, brotherhood and good neighborliness, saying the two nations enjoy historical, ethnic, and religious bonds.

The Azeri president, for his part, voiced concern over the situation in the region, saying his country is ready to help ease tensions. He said Baku backs efforts to resolve issues and differences through negotiations and understanding.

The phone calls come amid tensions fueled by muscle-flexing and saber rattling by the United States, which has, time and again, used the language of force and threats in dealing with Iran.

In the meantime, Iran has always announced its readiness to sit at the negotiating table for fair talks on an equal footing.