WANA (Mar 08) – President Masoud Pezeshkian has issued a stern warning to international and regional actors, asserting that Iran is compelled to strike the “point of origin” of any attack launched against its territory. Speaking during a public address, the President emphasized that while Iran seeks brotherhood with its neighbors, it will not hesitate to retaliate with escalating force.

 

Retaliation as a Necessity, Not Enmity

President Pezeshkian clarified that responses to military strikes should not be viewed as a conflict with neighboring nations. “We have repeatedly stated that we are brothers with neighboring countries,” he said. “However, if our soil is invaded or attacked from the territory of any country, we are naturally forced to respond.”

 

He further stressed that the intensity of Iran’s retaliation would be directly proportional to the aggression received. “The greater the pressure applied to us, the greater our power to strike back will naturally become.”

 

Condemning Civilian Casualties

The President drew a sharp contrast between Iran’s values and the actions of its adversaries, condemning the U.S. and Israel for the killing of 168 innocent children during the current conflict. He also referenced the “massacre of 60,000 to 70,000 people in Gaza” as evidence of a lack of international shame by the aggressors.

 

“In our faith and belief, the killing of any innocent human being is reprehensible,” Pezeshkian stated.

 

A Call for Regional and National Unity

Pezeshkian warned regional leaders against falling into a “trap” set by Washington and Tel Aviv. He urged neighboring states to resolve internal regional disputes independently rather than aligning with U.S. and Israeli policies designed to sow discord.

 

“We must join hands and not allow Israel and America to use deception to turn the countries of the region against each other,” he said. “If we have differences, let us resolve them among ourselves.”

 

“We Will Not Bow to Bullying”

Concluding his speech, the President praised the resilience of the Iranian public, the armed forces, and the Basij volunteers. He called for “unity and empathy” across all political factions and social groups to protect the nation’s integrity.

 

“Our Iran will not simply bow to bullying, oppression, and aggression,” Pezeshkian declared. “We will stand with all our being—regardless of group, faction, or ideology—to ensure that not a single inch of our soil is occupied.”

A view of the aftermath of a strike on a police station, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Tehran, Iran, March 4, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)