Iran Vows Strong Response to Enemy Attacks, Calls for Regional Unity Against US-Israeli Aggression: President Masoud Pezeshkian
TEHRAN: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reaffirmed Iran’s right to defend itself against attacks originating from any country, emphasizing that retaliation does not imply hostility toward the people of that nation.
“If the enemies attack or invade our territory from any country, we must respond to the raid. This does not mean we have rifts with that country or want to upset its people,” Pezeshkian said on Sunday.
He described Iran as a friend and brother to regional nations and called for collective efforts to thwart alleged US and Israel plots aimed at destabilizing the region. He stressed that differences among Iran and its neighbors should be resolved domestically rather than allowing external forces to provoke conflict.
President Pezeshkian affirmed the country’s commitment to defending its sovereignty: “We stand strongly against and respond powerfully to those who attack our country. Our Armed Forces and volunteer Basij forces, present across the country, will defend the nation with all their might. Iran will not bow to bullying, oppression, or aggression.”
He also expressed regret to regional populations affected by the ongoing tensions, assuring that Iranians with differing political views remain united in protecting the nation.
The remarks come after the United States and Israel carried out an attack on February 28, which Iran described as an illegal act of aggression, claiming it violated Iranian sovereignty. According to the Iranian Red Crescent Society, at least 1,332 Iranians have been killed in the ensuing strikes.
In retaliation, Iran launched missile and drone attacks targeting Israeli-occupied territories and US assets in regional countries, signaling Tehran’s resolve to defend its territory and citizens.
This development further escalates tensions in the region, highlighting Iran’s determination to resist foreign aggression while calling for solidarity among neighboring nations.