Iranian Transcript Says Lula Told Pezeshkian Iran Was Wronged in War With U.S.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva reportedly told Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian that Iran had been wronged in its war with the United States, according to a transcript released by Iran’s government. The two leaders met Thursday, Nov. 12, on the sidelines of the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference, or COP31, in Antalya, Turkey. Brazil’s presidential palace, known as the Planalto, did not confirm the remarks attributed to Lula in the transcript.

The Iranian account also says Lula criticized U.S. officials, saying they had “gotten used to lying,” and urged Brazil and other countries to challenge what he described as false narratives about Iran. In one passage, the transcript attributes to Lula the statement: “From our perspective, Iran was wronged in this war, and the United States is guilty and responsible for this aggression.” The Planalto did not verify that or other comments reported by Tehran.

The transcript further portrays Lula as expressing solidarity with Iran. He reportedly said Brazil had never imagined that the United States would attack the country and described the bombing as a “very harsh and bitter” event. The Iranian account also attributes to him the remark, “We have deep solidarity with Iran and enjoy good trade relations with this country.” These statements, too, were not confirmed by Brazil’s government.

Lula was also reported to have linked the conflict to economic difficulties in countries including Brazil, citing rising prices for gas, gasoline and oil. The Iranian government’s account says he accused U.S. officials of spreading claims that were far removed from reality in Iran and, according to the transcript, said, “The Americans’ lies have no limits.” The conflict between Iran and the United States began in February and also involves Israel. Efforts to negotiate an end to the war have included mediation initiatives by Qatar and Pakistan.

In its account of the meeting, the Planalto said Lula and Pezeshkian discussed conflicts in the Middle East, particularly the war involving Iran and the United States. It said Pezeshkian provided an update on peace talks with Washington, including mediation efforts by Qatar and Pakistan. According to the Brazilian statement, Lula encouraged the search for a peaceful resolution and defended Iran’s right to use nuclear energy for civilian and peaceful purposes.

The Planalto also said Lula raised concerns about the war’s effects on international fuel and food prices and called for freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. The leaders discussed expanding bilateral trade, which totaled $3 billion in 2025, according to the report. Lula indicated that Brazil was interested in increasing its imports of Iranian fertilizer.