Pezeshkian condemns European approach on US-Israeli aggression
Iran has not requested ceasefire, nor resumption of talks: FM
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian criticized the “destructive approach” of some European countries regarding the US-Israeli aggression, urging them to adhere to the rule of international law.
The remarks came during a phone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday, as tensions continue to rise following a recent exchange of attacks between Iran o the one side and the US and Israel on the other, president.ir reported.
Pezeshkian attributed the root causes of insecurity and instability in the region to the hostile actions of Israel, including the ongoing bloodshed in Gaza and Lebanon, as well as two wars with US involvement against Iran.
Macron, in the phone call, called for an end to the conflict and a de-escalation of tensions. He later tweeted that he had called for an immediate halt to Iran’s attacks on regional countries.
Pezeshkian explained that recent attacks on Iranian islands, Kharg and Abu Musa, are examples of strikes carried out against Iran using the territory of some Persian Gulf countries.
He stated that allowing the US to utilize territory and facilities for “brutal attacks” against Iran is in violation of international law and the principle of good neighborliness.
“The Iranian people, government, and armed forces have never sought tension or conflict,” Pezeshkian said, “but there is no doubt that we will confront aggressors and decisively defend our territorial integrity and national security with popular support and reliance on our national capabilities.”
Strait of Hormuz not closed
Macron also tweeted that he had called for the swift restoration of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had earlier asserted in an interview with CBS that Iran has not closed the Strait of Hormuz, but ships are avoiding the area due to insecurity caused by US aggression.
He added that Iranian military forces have previously allowed groups of ships from various non-hostile countries to pass safely.
Nevertheless, France, following a US request for assistance in countering Iran in the Strait, has announced it will not deploy warships to the area.
This request has been met with lukewarm responses from other nations. Japan stated that deploying warships to the Strait of Hormuz faces significant obstacles. China only indicated it would play a constructive role in de-escalating tensions and restoring peace as a “friendly neighbor” to Middle Eastern countries. South Korea stated it is reviewing the US request for ship deployment and will consider the matter. The UK has said it is examining “all options” for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, while Italy has emphasized diplomatic efforts to reduce military tensions.
In his interview, Araghchi also stressed that Iran has not requested a ceasefire, nor has it sought negotiations.
“We are ready to defend ourselves as long as necessary. We have been doing so, and we will continue to do so until President Trump realizes that this is an illegal and unwinnable war.”
He later reiterated in a tweet that Iranian armed forces will continue to fire until the US president realizes that the war is wrong and “must never be repeated.”