Iran Vows Not to Attack Neighbors Unless Provoked

On Saturday, Pezeshkian, speaking via video message on Iranian state television, asserted that Iran does not intend to invade neighboring countries unless it is attacked first. This statement comes amid a backdrop of retaliatory airstrikes related to a week-old conflict involving Israel and the United States.

The Iranian President emphasized the importance of regional cooperation to establish peace and calm, while also addressing the military's recent missile and drone strikes on multiple U.S. military bases in Gulf countries, including Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait. Pezeshkian condemned the support of Israel and the U.S. as a path that does not honor freedom.

He also mentioned that the Iranian armed forces intercepted missile attacks, indicating a defensive posture in the region.