Iran seeks no war with Muslim neighbors, proposes regional security pact: Pezeshkian
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Tehran: President Masoud Pezeshkian affirmed Iran harbors no desire for conflict with Muslim states, blaming US and Israeli actions for recent strains with Arab neighbors.
In an Eid al-Fitr and Nowruz message, reported by IRNA and Xinhua, he extended congratulations and stressed unity: "We do not intend to have any difference with Muslim countries. We do not seek conflict and war with Islamic states. They are our brothers."
Pezeshkian proposed a Muslim-led security framework for the Middle East to foster peace, excluding foreign powers. "We do not need the foreigners' presence in the region. We can set up an Islamic assembly in the Middle East with the cooperation of Muslim states, and within that framework, regulate our security, economic, cultural and political relations," he said. Iran stands ready to resolve issues with neighbors.
He reiterated Iran's rejection of nuclear weapons, citing a religious decree from former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei banning them. Pezeshkian accused the US of falsely portraying Iran as pursuing atomic arms.
The remarks follow February 28 joint US-Israeli strikes on Tehran and other cities, which killed Iran's then-supreme leader, top commanders, and civilians. Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks on Israeli and US targets across the region.
(Inputs from IANS)