Tehran: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Saturday urged regional countries not to allow “enemies to run the war” from their territories if they “want development and security”. “We have said many times that Iran doesn’t carry out preemptive attacks, but we will retaliate strongly if our infrastructure or economic centers are targeted,” Pezeshkian wrote on the US social media company X.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Iranian President addressed the countries of the region, emphasizing the importance of not permitting adversaries to use their lands as bases for conflict. Pezeshkian’s comments come amid escalating tensions in the Middle East following a joint US and Israel attack on Iran on February 28, which resulted in the deaths of over 1,340 people, including the then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

In response to the attack, Iran has launched drone and missile strikes targeting Israel and Gulf nations that host US military assets. The situation has heightened regional instability, with Pezeshkian’s remarks highlighting Iran’s stance on protecting its sovereignty and pursuing security and development in the region.