US-Israeli aggression left Tehran with no choice but to defend Itself: Pezeshkian

President Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran has sent a message to regional countries, saying that the massive American-Zionist aggression has forced Iran into a position of total self-defense while respecting the sovereignty of regional nations.

The message, distributed via social media, involved a plea for regional solidarity following the illegal US-Israeli aggression.

"Dear esteemed leaders of our friendly and neighboring countries, we have strived, with your assistance and through diplomacy, to avoid war," the president stated.

Addressing the attacks that began on February 28, he said, "However, the American-Zionist military attack has left us with no choice but to defend ourselves."

The president said Iran’s retaliatory strikes are not directed at its neighbors, reaffirming his commitment to the territorial integrity of the region.

"We respect your sovereignty and still believe that the region's peace must be ensured by the countries of the region," the message stated.

It came following protests by several regional nations to Iran’s attacks on US assets which are located in their territory.

Iran says its attacks are totally in compliance with international law and based on the right to self-defense, which allows the country to attack the aggressors and their interests wherever it can.

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At least 1,045 people have been confirmed killed in the initial waves of the US-Israeli attacks.

The strikes have targeted critical infrastructure, military installations, and residential buildings across Tehran and several major provinces.

The aggression has not been limited to Iranian soil, as intensified Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon have killed dozens and injured hundreds more in recent days.

Iran has launched hundreds of missiles and drones at the Israeli-occupied territories and American military bases across the region.

The latest targets include American radar installations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar and Jordan, among others.

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