'Misinterpreted by the Enemy': Iranian President Pezeshkian Clarifies Stance on Regional Ties Amidst Military Friction

Tehran: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has clarified that his previous statements regarding regional military operations were "misinterpreted by the enemy that seeks to sow division with neighbours," according to state media reports cited by The Times of Israel.

The clarification follows a period of diplomatic confusion where earlier comments suggested a potential suspension of military actions against Gulf nations, even as regional strikes continued. Addressing these perceptions, Pezeshkian emphasised the importance of fraternal ties, stating, "It has repeatedly been said we are brothers and must have good relations with neighbours."

However, Pezeshkian maintained a stance of defensive necessity, noting that Tehran is "forced to retaliate to attacks" but clarified that this does not imply a dispute with neighbouring countries or a desire to "upset their people."

The West Asia conflict entered its eighth day on Sunday.

Pezeshkian had previously appeared to strike a note of reconciliation. In a televised address on Saturday, he announced that the leadership council had decided not to attack neighbouring countries unless provoked.

"I apologise to the neighbouring countries. We have no intention of invading other countries," Pezeshkian said, adding that there would be no missile launches unless attacks against Iran originated from those specific nations.

Despite this overture to neighbours, the Iranian President struck a note of defiance against Western pressure, ruling out any possibility of surrender as the US-Israel campaign intensifies. "They will take their dreams of us surrendering unconditionally to the grave," he asserted.

This defiant stance serves as a direct rebuttal to US President Donald Trump, who recently declared on Truth Social that there would be "no deal with Iran except unconditional surrender." Trump asserted that negotiations would only consider an agreement once the current leadership completely yields and is replaced by "great & acceptable leader(s)."

In his post, Trump articulated an ambition to reconstruct the nation under the slogan "MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN (MIGA!)" and previously expressed a desire to be personally involved in selecting Iran's next Supreme Leader following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint US-Israel strike, according to Axios.

Meanwhile, the theatre of war has seen no relenting. On Friday night, more than 80 Israeli Air Force fighter jets reportedly dropped 230 bombs on key Iranian military sites, including a subterranean ballistic missile factory and a military academy.

In retaliation, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) announced the launch of the 23rd wave of "Operation True Promise 4." The IRGC stated it deployed new-generation missile systems against targets in occupied territories and US bases across the region, highlighting the continued escalation despite the diplomatic rhetoric. . 

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