New Delhi, June 9 -- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Monday (June 8) that Tehran has not abandoned negotiations despite a fresh exchange of missile strikes with Israel, signaling that diplomacy remains an option even as both sides warn they are prepared to retaliate if attacked again.

The remarks came after Israel and Iran traded fire for the first time since an April ceasefire, raising fears of a renewed regional conflict and prompting US President Donald Trump to push for an immediate halt to hostilities.

'We have neither abandoned the field nor the negotiating table'

In a post on X, Pezeshkian said Iran remained committed to defending its interests while also pursuing diplomacy.

"Our priority is national security and th...