Iranian president criticises Israel for regional instability, vows decisive response to threats

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has reaffirmed Iran's commitment to regional stability and peace, contrasting this with what he described as the "Zionist regime's" pursuit of crisis and conflict.

Pezeshkian highlighted that Iran has never initiated conflict or encouraged other nations to do so, placing blame instead on the United States for repeatedly igniting conflicts worldwide, including in the Middle East, Caliber.Az reports per Iranian media.

During a cabinet meeting on November 3, Pezeshkian remarked, "Countries across the region now recognise that the Islamic Republic of Iran is dedicated to fostering peace and stability, while the Zionist regime remains intent on stirring up crises and promoting war."

He further condemned what he termed the "criminal and aggressive actions" of the Zionist regime, accusing it of deliberately inciting violence and bloodshed in the region. Pezeshkian also criticised the United States and European nations, accusing them of hypocrisy in their approach to Middle Eastern conflicts. "If these countries are genuinely against war and violence, why do they veto resolutions calling for a ceasefire?" he asked.

President Pezeshkian also affirmed that Iran would respond firmly to any threat to its sovereignty or security. Directing his comments towards Zionist officials, he issued a warning: "They are well aware that any miscalculation against the Islamic Republic of Iran will be met with a decisive response."

Meanwhile, on 26 October Israel carried out missile strikes on Iran. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that the airstrikes targeted military facilities involved in the production of rockets used in attacks against Israel, as well as multiple sites, including surface-to-air missile systems and air defence installations. The operation involved over 100 aircraft flying from a distance of 2,000 kilometres.

Israel stated the attack was in retaliation for Iran’s strike on Israel on October 1. Iran claimed that action was an act of "self-defence," in response to Israel's assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, and IRGC General Abbas Nilforoushan.

By Aghakazim Guliyev