Tehran- IRAF- Mas’oud Pezeshkian stressed in a message shared on social media that friendly relations with regional states do not contradict Iran’s inherent right to defend itself against military aggression.
The text of the president’s message states:
“The Islamic Republic of Iran has always emphasized maintaining and continuing friendly relations with the governments of the region based on good‑neighborliness and mutual respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity. This, however, does not negate Iran’s inherent right to defend itself against the military aggression of the United States and the Zionist regime.
We will stand and resist to the last breath in defense of our country. Iran’s defensive operations are directed exclusively against targets and facilities that are the source and origin of aggressive actions against the Iranian nation, and we consider them legitimate targets.
We have not attacked our friendly and neighboring countries; rather, we have targeted U.S. bases, installations, and military facilities in the region.”
