Irans new president, Masoud Pezeshkian, has attempted a delicate balancing act, issuing a rare apology to neighboring states for Iranian missile strikes while vowing that the Islamic Republic will never bow to American or Israeli demands.
The pre-recorded five-minute address, broadcast on state television as the war involving Iran, the United States, and Israel entered its eighth day, marked one of the most striking public statements by an Iranian leader in years. According to WND, Pezeshkian acknowledged that Iranian forces had hit targets beyond the countrys borders and said Tehran had now ordered a halt to such attacks on neighboring nationsunless those states strike Iran first. At the same time, he used the platform to rail against Western powers, denounce Israel, and reject calls from President Donald Trump for Irans unconditional surrender.
Pezeshkian opened his remarks with a blend of religious language and nationalist rhetoric, invoking both the memory of fallen leaders and the suffering of civilians. I extend my greetings to the dear people of our country. I offer my condolences once again for the martyrdom of the Supreme Leader and the honorable commanders of our nation, and for the innocent and oppressed schoolchildren who were killed by bombing carried out by those who claim to defend human rights, freedom, and humanity.
He accused Irans adversaries of trampling international norms while presenting Iran as the aggrieved party. Unfortunately, what we are witnessing is a process in which international laws are ignored. They bomb wherever they wish and do not hesitate to strike schools, hospitals, and various civilian centers across the country.
The president then praised what he described as the resilience and unity of the Iranian public in the face of foreign pressure and military escalation. Despite all these hardships, I must thank the noble people of our nation who continue to stand firm every night in support of our country. Every Iranian, everyone who lives in Iranregardless of religion, status, or appearancetheir presence in defending the territorial integrity of Iran and our proud historical nation will discourage our enemies from achieving what they have in mind.
Pezeshkian urged Iranians to set aside internal disputes, a familiar refrain from a regime that often invokes external threats to suppress dissent and consolidate power. We are deeply grateful to these honorable people. All the disagreements, concerns, and grievances we may have with each otherI believe that today we must set all of these aside.
He framed the current conflict as an existential test of national resolve, calling for collective sacrifice in the name of defending the Islamic Republic. We must all join hands and defend our land and homeland with strength. We will stand firm, even to the point of sacrificing our lives, to bring Iran through this crisis with honor.
In a direct rebuke to Washington and especially to Trumps demand that Tehran capitulate, Pezeshkian delivered one of the speechs most defiant lines. Anyone who believes that we will surrender unconditionally should take that dream to their grave.
The president insisted that Iran, not its Western critics, is the party committed to international norms and humanitarian standards, even as his own forces have been implicated in regional destabilization and support for terror proxies. What we remain committed to are international laws and humanitarian principlesthe very principles that those who constantly speak about them should themselves respect. They must recognize the rights of all nations, and naturally the rights of Iran as well. They have no right to ignore these rights.
In a notable departure from Tehrans usual rhetoric, Pezeshkian explicitly apologized to neighboring states that had been hit by Iranian fire, attempting to portray the strikes as the product of chaos following the killing of senior Iranian figures. Here I must also apologize to the neighboring countries that were struck from Iranian territory. I personally apologize because of the circumstances that unfolded.
He sought to shift responsibility onto battlefield commanders acting in the immediate aftermath of what he called a brutal act of aggression that killed top leaders. Our commanders, our leader, and our beloved figures lost their lives due to a brutal act of aggression. Our armed forcesheroes who have put their lives on the line and have dedicated themselves to defending the territorial integrity of our nationtook the necessary actions when their commanders were no longer present. Acting independently, they carried out what they believed was necessary and defended our land with dignity and strength.
Pezeshkian insisted that Iran harbors no expansionist ambitions toward its neighbors, describing them as brothers despite years of Iranian interference across the region. We have no intention of aggression against neighboring countries. As I have said many times before, they are our brothers.
He called for regional cooperation, at least rhetorically, even as he warned nearby governments not to align with Israel or the United States. We must join hands with the nations of this region to establish peace and stability. I hope that, following the decision made yesterday by the temporary leadership council, which has now been communicated to our armed forces, Iran will not attack neighboring countries or launch missiles toward them unless those countries themselves attack us.
The president claimed that disputes with neighboring states should be handled through negotiation rather than warfare, a message that contrasts sharply with Irans long-standing reliance on proxy militias and covert operations. I believe these matters must be resolved through diplomacy rather than conflict with neighboring nations. Our dear people should know that within the government, all ministers and all of our forces are fully committed to their duties.
He portrayed his administration as dutiful servants of the public, even as the regime continues to repress dissent and restrict basic freedoms at home. We will not fall short in doing everything within our power. We are servants of the people.
Pezeshkian acknowledged the harsh reality of ongoing conflict and signaled that Iran would continue to prepare for prolonged confrontation, despite his talk of diplomacy. We will strive to ensure that no problems arise for our people from our side. But the reality is that there is a war, and we have preparedand will continue to preparefor that war.
Invoking the religious significance of the current month, he asked for divine assistance to sustain Irans resistance and preserve its national pride. In this blessed month, I pray to God to grant us the faith, belief, and determination necessary so that we may defend the integrity of our nation and the honor and dignity of our people with strength.
He cast the present crisis as a formative moment for Irans future, one that he hopes will be remembered as a time of unity under pressure. Let this be a lesson for future generationsthat whenever the moment demands it, the Iranian people stand united. We must remain united.
Turning again to neighboring states, Pezeshkian warned them not to become instruments of what he called imperialism, a familiar regime talking point aimed at discrediting any cooperation with the West. I also hope that neighboring countries understand this message: some groups or factions may think they can use this moment as an opportunity to attack our territory, but they should not become tools of imperialism.
He acknowledged that regional disputes exist but argued that siding with Israel and the United States would bring only shame, echoing Tehrans long-standing anti-Israel and anti-American ideology. We may have disagreements with each other. We may have grievances with one another. But supporting Israel, which is committing genocide, and aligning with the bullying of the United States will only bring lasting disgrace.
Pezeshkian dismissed the idea that freedom or dignity can be achieved by aligning with Western powers, describing them in harsh, conspiratorial terms. Those who think they will gain freedom and dignity in this way are mistaken. Honor cannot be achieved by standing beside foxes, liars, and global exploiters.
He urged regional actors to resolve disputes directly with Tehran rather than, in his words, becoming pawns of Washington or Jerusalem, a line that reflects the regimes fear of a united front against its ambitions. If we have disagreements, it is better to sit down and resolve them together rather than become pawns of Israel and the United States. May you be proud, victorious, and successful, God willing.
For Western policymakersand especially for conservatives who have long warned about the dangers of appeasing Tehranthe speech underscores a familiar pattern: tactical concessions and carefully worded apologies to reduce regional blowback, paired with uncompromising hostility toward the United States, Israel, and the broader liberal international order. Pezeshkians message of conditional restraint toward neighboring countries may temporarily lower the temperature, but his categorical rejection of unconditional surrender, his denunciations of America and Israel, and his pledge to keep preparing for war all point to a regime that remains ideologically committed to confrontation, not genuine reform or peace.
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