Iran's Defensive Power Rooted in People's Resistance, President Says

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that the country's defensive capabilities are owed to the resistance of its people, during a press conference on Saturday marking National Journalists' Day. He addressed the need for domestic cohesion amid the current security situation following what he described as US-Israeli aggression against Iran.

Pezeshkian said that the United States, the Zionist regime, and their analysts understand that a country can no longer be forced into submission through war and missiles alone, but that internal divisions, discord, and conflict could be used to achieve such an objective. He emphasized that Iran's security and defensive capabilities depend on the steadfastness and resistance of the Iranian people and those defending the country.

The president stressed that Iran's position toward the US has not changed, saying, "America is colonialist, America is criminal, and the Islamic Republic must remain; there is no doubt about this." At the same time, he noted that dialogue and diplomacy have compelled the US to enter into an understanding with Iran. He reiterated that Tehran's positions toward Washington remain unchanged and that national unity and resistance are essential to safeguarding the country's security and defense capabilities.

Pezeshkian also highlighted the need to preserve achievements made through diplomacy, referring to a violation concerning the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's subsequent response. He said the other side had been required under the Islamabad memorandum of understanding to act according to guidelines jointly drawn up by the Islamic Republic and Oman, but has failed to do so, prompting Iran to respond. The president noted that such situations normally require the formation of a team to resolve a violation of an understanding, adding that the process is nevertheless being pursued.

According to Mehr News Agency, the president made these remarks at a press conference on the occasion of National Journalists' Day, discussing the need to preserve domestic cohesion amid the current security situation after the US-Israeli war of aggression committed against Iran.