Iranian President Pezeshkian: 'America and Israel Seek to Divide and Destroy Iran,' Vows Forceful Stand Against Aggression

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared on Friday that Tehran does not seek war, yet issued a resolute warning that Iran would "stand forcefully" against any aggression from Israel or the United States. Speaking in a pre-recorded television interview, Pezeshkian articulated a stark view of regional dynamics, stating, > "America and Israel seek to divide and destroy Iran, but no Iranian wants Iran to be divided."

This assertion reinforces Tehran's long-standing narrative, which consistently accuses Washington and Tel Aviv of orchestrating efforts to destabilize the Islamic Republic. Iranian officials have repeatedly affirmed their commitment to national sovereignty, vowing a decisive response to any direct attack. Such rhetoric highlights the deep-seated mistrust and ongoing geopolitical tensions characterizing relations between Iran and these Western-aligned powers.

President Pezeshkian's remarks emerge in the wake of a recent 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel, which saw significant military exchanges and U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, culminating in a fragile ceasefire on June 24. Notably, in a July 7 interview with American media personality Tucker Carlson, Pezeshkian alleged that Israel attempted to assassinate him during the June hostilities, stating, > "They did try, yes. They acted accordingly, but they failed."

Despite the strong warnings and accusations, President Pezeshkian has concurrently expressed openness to dialogue with the United States, particularly concerning nuclear negotiations. However, he consistently emphasizes that rebuilding trust is paramount, given the recent history of military engagements. He has questioned how Iran could confidently re-engage in talks when there's a perceived risk of renewed attacks from Israel, highlighting the complex preconditions for any diplomatic breakthrough.

The volatile statements from Iran's leadership underscore the precarious security situation in the Middle East, where regional stability remains fragile. International organizations and global leaders have consistently urged all parties to exercise restraint and pursue de-escalation through diplomatic channels. Iran's articulated position emphasizes its defensive posture while signaling its readiness to protect its interests against external threats, maintaining a delicate balance in the region's complex power dynamics.