Iran's President calls for accountability in mediation, Trump demands ‘unconditional surrender’
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Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Friday that several countries have begun mediation efforts to end the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, stressing that any negotiations must address those responsible for triggering the war.
In a post on the social media platform X, Pezeshkian said Iran remains committed to peace but would firmly defend its sovereignty.
“Some countries have begun mediation efforts. Let's be clear: we are committed to lasting peace in the region, yet we have no hesitation in defending our nation's dignity and sovereignty,” he wrote, adding that mediation should address those who underestimated the Iranian people and ignited the conflict.
According to a report by The Guardian, countries including Qatar, Turkey, Egypt, and Oman have at various points offered to mediate since joint strikes were launched by the United States and Israel last Saturday.
However, Iran’s foreign ministry had earlier indicated that the current focus was on defending the country rather than pursuing diplomacy.
The conflict erupted while Iran was engaged in nuclear negotiations in Oman. Previous US and Israeli strikes in June had also coincided with ongoing talks over Iran’s nuclear programme.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said the only acceptable outcome to end hostilities was Iran’s “unconditional surrender.” Writing on the social platform Truth Social, Trump said there would be “no deal with Iran except unconditional surrender.”
He added that if Iran capitulated and installed what he called “acceptable leadership,” the United States and its allies would help rebuild the country’s economy and bring it “back from the brink of destruction.”
As the conflict entered its seventh day, Pete Hegseth said American military operations over Iran were expected to surge dramatically. The Israel Defense Forces also announced an intensified phase of its campaign, saying around 50 Israeli Air Force fighter jets struck an underground military bunker in Tehran linked to Ali Khamenei.
