Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has delivered an official address to the nation and neighboring states, outlining a new national strategy amidst the current military crisis. He emphasized that Tehran intends to revise its engagement with its neighbors, prioritizing diplomatic solutions despite suffering heavy losses within the government's top leadership.
In his statement, Pezeshkian expressed deep condolences regarding the deaths of the Supreme Leader, high-ranking officers, and civilians killed in strikes on civil infrastructure. "Unfortunately, in defiance of all international norms, enemies are striking schools and hospitals across the country," the president noted, calling on citizens to unite to defend national sovereignty. Addressing the population, he stressed that internal disagreements must be set aside in the face of external threats, as Iranian unity "forces enemies to abandon their insidious plans."
Specific attention in the speech was devoted to relations with bordering states. Masoud Pezeshkian offered an official apology to neighboring countries affected by recent attacks, attributing the incidents to the chaos that ensued immediately after the loss of the military command. According to him, Iranian units were effectively operating in a "free-fire" mode at that moment, defending territory during what he described as barbaric aggression.
"We have no intention of attacking our neighbors; they are our brothers," the leader of the republic stated. He added that the interim leadership council has already ordered the armed forces to cease missile strikes on adjacent territories, provided those states do not act as aggressors themselves.
Concluding his address, the politician warned regional powers against the influence of external actors, emphasizing that any contradictions must be resolved at the negotiating table. "Those who seek freedom and honor through alliances with liars and oppressors will never find them," the president summarized. Despite the country's continued defensive preparations, Pezeshkian declared the government's readiness to stabilize the situation and return to the principles of international law.