Iran not seeking war, but ready to defend itself, says President Pezeshkian

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian announced that the country does not want to inflame the conflict while reserving the right to respond to Israel "appropriately" to its strike on Iranian territory.

In a cabinet meeting on October 27, Pezeshkian affirmed that Tehran does not seek war but will defend the nation’s rights and sovereignty, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

“We do not seek war, but we will defend the rights of our nation and country,” Pezeshkian stated, vowing a response to what he described as “aggression from the Zionist regime.” While Pezeshkian did not specify whether Iran's response would be military, diplomatic, or involve support for regional allies such as Hezbollah, his comments reflect internal discussions on how Iran should proceed.

Calls for Restraint Amid Tensions

The escalation comes as the United States expressed concern that the exchange of airstrikes between Israel and Iran could spiral into a broader regional conflict. In a statement following the airstrikes, U.S. President Joe Biden called for a de-escalation, echoing the worries of regional and global leaders.

Khamenei Urges Measured Power Display

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei responded on Sunday, remarking that the Israeli strikes should “neither be downplayed nor exaggerated.” Khamenei urged Iranian leaders to demonstrate the country’s strength in a way that serves national interests, hinting at a response that stops short of immediate military retaliation.

“The authorities should decide how best to convey the power and will of the Iranian people to the Israeli regime,” Khamenei said, suggesting a calculated approach over hasty action.

International Plea and Diplomatic Response

Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, condemned the Israeli strikes and formally requested an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council. In his letter to the council, Araghchi described the airstrikes as a “grave threat to international peace and security” that risks destabilizing the already fragile region. He noted that Iran reserves the right to respond “at an appropriate time” in alignment with international law and the UN Charter.

The Israeli Perspective

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the airstrikes, stating that they had achieved “all objectives.” Netanyahu confirmed that Israeli forces targeted key Iranian defense installations, including air defense systems at critical infrastructure sites like the Bandar Imam Khomeini petrochemical complex and nearby port facilities. These systems, according to a report from the *New York Times*, were intended to protect Iran's oil and petrochemical infrastructure.

Casualties and Initial Reactions

President Pezeshkian expressed condolences for the four Iranian soldiers killed in the attack. “The enemies of Iran should know that these brave people stand fearlessly in defence of their land,” he said in a statement, vowing that any further “stupidity” would be met with a response “marked by tact and intelligence.”

As Iran evaluates its next steps, the regional and international community watches closely, mindful of the potential for further escalation.

Iran has to weigh the likely diplomatic damage to its improving relations with its Arab partners of mounting a further attack, the impact on its ailing economy, and the likelihood that a further Israeli strike would cause considerably more damage than on the October 26 softening-up exercise.

By Khagan Isayev