Tehran: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Iran did not initiate the ongoing conflict with the US and Israel, asserting Iran's right to respond to attacks from Washington and Tel Aviv.

According to Anadolu Agency, President Pezeshkian communicated via the US social media platform X, sharing that he had a telephone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron. During this conversation, Pezeshkian emphasized Iran's position of defense, stating, "I emphasized that Iran did not begin this atrocious war. Defending against invasion is a natural right, in which we are good at."

Pezeshkian criticized the use of American military bases in the region, which he claims are being used against Iran to disrupt relations with neighboring countries. He argued that regional peace and stability are unattainable while US-Israeli attacks on Iran continue.

Pezeshkian further declared that Iran would not succumb to pressure, urging the global community to denounce the attacks and uphold international laws. He described the commencement of war based on false information as a regressive action in the modern era.

The Iranian president dismissed calls for an end to the war as "meaningless" until there is assurance against future attacks on Iranian soil. The conflict has intensified since the US and Israel launched a joint offensive on February 28, resulting in approximately 1,200 casualties, including the death of then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

In retaliation, Tehran has conducted drone and missile strikes targeting Israel and other regional countries, accusing them of hosting "US military assets." These strikes have led to casualties and significant damage to civilian infrastructure, including airports, ports, and buildings.