Pezeshkian: Iran seeks peace, accuses Israel of forcing conflict

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has emphasized that Iran is not pursuing conflict, asserting that "security in the West Asia region is the security of all Muslims."

Speaking alongside Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, during a joint press conference in Doha, Pezeshkian stated, "Iran seeks peace and tranquillity in the region, as no country can achieve progress when there is war," Caliber.Az reports, citing Iranian media.

The Iranian president, who arrived in Qatar on October 2, made this his third foreign trip since assuming office in late July. He reiterated Iran’s stance on avoiding war, highlighting that "it is Israel which forces Iran to react."

Pezeshkian pointed to recent events, explaining that Iran had exercised restraint in response to Israel’s assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on July 31. The killing occurred just a day after Haniyeh attended Pezeshkian’s inauguration.

"Instead of stopping the killing of people in Gaza and Lebanon, the Israeli regime intensified its attacks at the time when Iran showed restraint," Pezeshkian said.

He justified Iran’s decision to launch approximately 180 missiles at Israeli military and security targets on October 1, in response to the assassinations of both Haniyeh and Lebanese Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike on Beirut on September 27.

"If Israel wants to retaliate, Iran will give a more severe response," Pezeshkian warned, adding, "That’s what the Islamic Republic is committed to." He also condemned Israel’s actions, accusing the regime of attempting to "create insecurity and expand crisis in the region," and called on the US and European nations to pressure Israel into ending the violence.

During the press conference, Qatar’s Emir expressed his country's commitment to peace, saying, "Qatar supports de-escalating and protecting peace and security in the region."

However, Sheikh Tamim noted that despite Qatar's efforts to mediate, Israel has intensified its attacks, particularly in Gaza, the occupied West Bank, and Lebanon. He urged the international community to intervene and pressure Israel to halt its aggression.

"Our country will continue mediation efforts aimed at ending the Gaza war and facilitating the release of Israeli captives," Sheikh Tamim stated, reiterating Qatar's role as a key mediator in regional conflicts.

Before addressing the press, both leaders held private discussions on strengthening bilateral relations and addressing regional developments. Both Pezeshkian and Sheikh Tamim praised the close ties between Iran and Qatar and expressed a strong desire to enhance their cooperation in the future.

By Khagan Isayev