WASHINGTON: The tensions between the United States and Iran have further intensified after US President Donald Trump stated that ”We will target Iran very strongly today and there will be no agreement with Iran unless the country surrenders.”
The statements drew a strong response from Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian, who vowed that Iran would continue its resistance and would never bow to pressure.
In this regard, President Pezeshkian delivered an emergency address broadcast on Iranian state television, where he rejected the idea of surrender and said Iran’s adversaries should abandon such expectations.
He stated that those hoping for Iran’s capitulation would take their wishes “to their graves.”
the Iranian president also addressed recent attacks linked to Iran in neighboring countries. He expressed regret over what he described as unavoidable strikes and said Iran does not intend to target neighboring states in the future.
Pezeshkian clarified that the operations were aimed at US military bases and installations rather than civilian or national assets of neighboring countries.
He further focused on that Iran does not seek to escalate tensions in the region. However, he maintained that the country reserves the right to defend itself if its security is threatened.
Iran’s opponents believe that sustained pressure could force the country into submission, but he insisted that such expectations are unrealistic.
The exchange of statements comes amid escalating hostilities in the region. Since February 28, the United States and Israel have reportedly continued military operations against Iran.
Iranian authorities claim that on the first day of the attacks several high-ranking officials were killed, including Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, the defense minister, the army chief, the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and the national security council adviser.
Despite the increased rhetoric and ongoing military tensions, analysts note that diplomatic channels may still play a crucial role in preventing the situation from spiraling into a wider regional confrontation.
