Iranian President Vows ‘Appropriate’ Response to Israeli Strikes

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has declared that Iran will respond “appropriately” to Israel following its recent direct attacks on Iranian military sites, marking the first openly acknowledged strikes by Israel.

“We do not seek conflict, but we will defend our nation’s rights and respond to the Zionist regime’s aggression,” Pezeshkian stated on Sunday, according to Iranian state television.

Pezeshkian also revealed that the U.S. had assured Iran it would work to halt the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon if Iran showed restraint, a promise he claims went unfulfilled. “They promised to end the conflict in exchange for our restraint, yet they have not upheld their word,” he said.

The president warned that continued Israeli aggression would heighten tensions, asserting, “We are aware that the United States is encouraging Israel to commit these actions.”