Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called for a united response from regional Islamic countries to confront Israel over its recent strikes on Hezbollah in Lebanon. While blaming Israel for the violence, Pezeshkian emphasized Iran’s readiness to defend itself and criticized the U.S. for abandoning nuclear negotiations.
Iran’s Call for Regional Unity Against Israel
In an interview aired on CNN’s “Fareed Zakaria GPS,” Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian urged regional and Islamic countries to unite in confronting Israel. Following recent Israeli strikes against Hezbollah, Pezeshkian emphasized that Hezbollah alone could not stand against Israel’s advanced military capabilities. He suggested that a collective response was necessary.
Blaming Israel for Escalating Violence
Pezeshkian placed the blame for the violence squarely on Israel, dismissing the notion that Iran or Hezbollah was responsible. He reiterated that Hezbollah, long supported by Iran, could not face Israel’s superior weaponry on its own. The Iranian leader argued that the ongoing violence required a broader regional effort to address.
Israeli Strikes and Nasrallah’s Death
The interview aired before the Israeli strike that killed Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah. Israel also disrupted Hezbollah’s communications and launched airstrikes on Lebanon. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the strikes, warning that Israel’s military reach extended far beyond its borders.
Iran’s Warning and Criticism of International Inaction
Pezeshkian warned that Iran would respond to Israel’s actions if other nations did not intervene. He criticized international organizations for their inability to hold Israel accountable. If left unchecked, Pezeshkian promised that Iran would deliver an “appropriate response” to Israeli aggression.
Hezbollah’s Role in Regional Conflict
Hezbollah’s involvement in the conflict intensified following Hamas’ October 7 incursion from Gaza, which led to Israel’s military invasion of Gaza. Netanyahu defended Israel’s actions, describing Nasrallah as a key terrorist figure and reaffirming Israel’s stance on self-defense.
Iran’s Position on Nuclear Negotiations and Self-Defense
Pezeshkian also addressed potential nuclear negotiations, blaming the U.S. for abandoning the previous deal. He stated that Iran seeks peace and has no intention of invading other nations. According to Pezeshkian, Iran’s production of weapons and missiles is purely for defensive purposes.
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