Iran's President Defends Self-Defense, Calls for Regional Stability

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has addressed the leaders of neighboring nations, framing his country's military actions as a forced response to aggression.

In a statement published on social media platform X, Pezeshkian asserted that diplomatic efforts to prevent conflict were exhausted. "We sought to prevent war through diplomatic means, but the American-Zionist military aggression left us no choice but to defend ourselves," he wrote.

The president emphasized Iran's respect for the sovereignty of neighboring states and expressed a firm belief that peace in the Middle East should be secured by the countries of the region themselves.

This statement comes in the context of an ongoing military operation initiated by the United States and Israel against Iran on February 28. Israeli officials have stated the operation's goal is to prevent Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons. Washington has threatened to destroy Iran's naval fleet and defense industry and has called for citizens to overthrow the regime.

According to figures from the Iranian Red Crescent, attacks by US and Israeli forces have resulted in at least 1,000 casualties, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Media reports indicate that missile strikes are targeting not only military sites but also civilian infrastructure within Iran and elsewhere in the region. In response, Tehran has launched attacks against Israeli territory and American bases in the Middle East.

Previously, US President Donald Trump acknowledged that the operation could last longer than initial estimates of four to five weeks. Concurrently, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced plans for even more powerful strikes against Iran.