Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has indicated a pragmatic approach to international relations, including potential engagement with the United States, during a meeting with former foreign ministers in Tehran on November 12.

The statement comes amid complex Iran-US relations, which have been marked by tensions since Washington's withdrawal from the nuclear deal in 2018 and subsequent sanctions by Donald Trump, who is set to target Iran when he comes to office in January with the support of Israel. While direct diplomatic ties have been severed since 1980, the two nations have occasionally negotiated indirectly through intermediaries.

"Whether we like it or not, we will face the United States in regional and international arenas, and it's better that we manage this arena ourselves," Pezeshkian said, adding that foreign policy would continue to operate within Iran's broader strategic framework.

"Since the beginning of my presidency, I have believed we should show generosity to friends and tolerance to enemies, and I believe in this more than ever today," he stated, adding that Iran needs to resolve international tensions to achieve domestic development goals.

Pezeshkian detailed his administration's diplomatic efforts, citing approximately 95 meetings with foreign leaders and officials since taking office.

He highlighted improving relations with neighbouring countries and progress in implementing agreements with China and Russia, particularly in infrastructure and transit projects.

The president noted ongoing negotiations with European countries, though he claimed Israeli "mischief" was complicating these discussions.

He also revealed productive talks with Egyptian President El-Sisi, resulting in a mandate for foreign ministers of both countries to advance bilateral relations after decades of zero diplomatic relations between the two sides.

Pezeshkian mentioned India's interest in expediting the Chabahar port development project and Gulf countries' desire to establish transit routes through Iran were a priority for Iran’s regional policies.

The United States outgoing administration earlier warned of sanctions towards India following its signing an agreement with Iran to operate Chabahar port after several years of delay.

"For the country's development, besides organising domestic affairs, we must arrange international relations, resolve tensions, and improve the groundwork for interactions with regional and global countries," he said.

Iran signed a 10-year contract with an Indian state operator to develop Chabahar port following delays due to threats and disagreements over the project going ahead. However, despite US protests, New Delhi has moved around the Biden administration to sign the deal, which gives them access to Central Asia and effective control over the port. 

The meeting was attended by several former foreign ministers, the president's strategic deputy, his chief of staff, and the political deputy of the presidential office.