Iranian president masoud pezeshkian said wednesday that the security and stability of the region must be achieved through the collective efforts of its states: "We believe the region's security and stability must be achieved through the joint efforts of its states."

According to Anadolu Agency, Pezeshkian noted that Iran had sought to avoid war through diplomacy with regional leaders. However, he added, the "American-Zionist military aggression" left Tehran with no choice but to defend itself.

Israel and the US have continued a large-scale attack on Iran since Saturday, killing nearly 900 people, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and top military officials. The Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs, an Iranian government-linked body, reports that the death toll has climbed to 1,045.

Tehran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, as well as Gulf countries which are home to US assets.