Pezeshkian reaffirms Iran’s commitment to defend sovereignty, pursue lasting peace

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to defend its sovereignty while pursuing lasting peace amid US-Israeli aggression against the country.

In a phone call with his Russian counterpart President Vladimir Putin, Pezeshkian discussed recent regional developments, condemning aggressive actions by the United States and Israel.

The regimes in Washington and Tel Aviv started their unprovoked military assault on February 28.

Following the aggression, Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei was assassinated. Iran began to swiftly retaliate against the criminal aggression by launching barrages of missile and drone attacks on the Israeli-occupied territories as well as on the US bases in regional countries.

Pezeshkian denounced the “unlawful assassination” of Ayatollah Khamenei, calling it a breach of international law, and slammed “blind, ruthless powers” for trying to impose their will on nations.

“The oppressors, using blind and reckless force, try to impose their will on nations, but the massive, heroic support of the Iranian people for their system and country shows that these attacks only strengthen the nation’s resolve to defend its homeland,” he added.

He reminded Putin of earlier warnings that Israeli statements denying any intention to attack Iran were false, noting that “today it is evident to all that deceit and malice are their nature, and amid talks of negotiations they have attacked us again.”

The Iranian president urged Russia to use its international influence to support Iran’s legitimate rights against these aggressions.

Iran's response to mediation efforts is 'clear': President Pezeshkian

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has affirmed that several countries have initiated mediation efforts to halt the brutal, imposed war waged against the Islamic Republic by the United States and the Israeli regime.

Pezeshkian also explained that any targeting of US military bases is purely defensive and is aimed at protecting Iran and its people, stressing that regional security must be ensured by the countries of the region, not by foreign forces. Rejecting rumors of an attack on Azerbaijan, he reiterated that Iran has never intended, nor will it ever intend, to attack neighboring states.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran has never intended, and will never intend, to invade its neighbors; our path is a strong defense of territorial integrity and lasting peace,” he said.

Pezeshkian expressed hope that independent countries and international organizations, by cooperating, will compel hegemonic powers to obey the law and respect the rights of nations.

Putin, for his part, expressed condolences for the martyrdom of Ayatollah Khamenei and conveyed deep solidarity with Iran.

He also emphasized the importance of regional stability, citing his ongoing contacts with Persian Gulf Cooperation Council leaders. Both sides agreed to maintain and strengthen diplomatic and security coordination between Tehran and Moscow through various channels.

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