Iran Vows Self-Defense Amid Ongoing Israeli Airstrikes and Diplomatic Tensions
President Pezeshkian affirms Iran’s commitment to sovereignty and diplomacy as Israeli strikes target Tehran; officials warn of escalation despite calls for restraint.
Watan-In a speech before Iran’s Parliament, President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Iran is facing a “criminal genocidal aggression” targeting its sovereignty and resources. He affirmed that Tehran would defend itself by all available means, while also remaining committed to its international obligations.
In a phone call with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman on Monday, Pezeshkian reiterated Iran’s support for diplomatic solutions through dialogue and a commitment to international law and respect for national sovereignty.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi urged U.S. President Donald Trump to pressure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to stop the aggression, writing on X:“If President Trump is serious about diplomacy and concerned about stopping this war, the next steps will be crucial.”
Escalation Deepens as Israel Targets Tehran, Iran Vows Continued Strikes
While Iran’s official political stance appeared more flexible and open to de-escalation, the newly appointed commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, General Mohammad Pakpour, was more hardline, stating that Iran’s missile strikes will continue regardless of Israeli action.
On the Israeli side, Prime Minister Netanyahu, during a visit to the “Tel Nof” airbase, claimed that Israel’s air force controls the skies over Tehran. He said Israeli forces were targeting “regime facilities” and that the military campaign represented a “fundamental shift in the entire operation.”
Although earlier reports from Israeli officials suggested they would avoid targeting Iran’s political leadership, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, Netanyahu told ABC News on Monday that “targeting the Supreme Leader would end the fighting—not escalate it.” He added it was in the U.S.’s interest to support Israel’s efforts to eliminate Iran’s nuclear program.
Military Escalation Continues:On the fourth day of Israeli airstrikes, heavily populated areas in Tehran, including neighborhoods like Tehranpars, Cheitgar, and District 3, were targeted. The state broadcasting headquarters was struck, briefly cutting live broadcasts. Iran condemned the attack as a “malicious act and a war crime.”
Israeli strikes also reportedly hit a fire station in Ilam province and a hospital in Kermanshah, both of which Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei described as war crimes.
Iran-Israel Missile Barrage Intensifies Amid Shifting U.S. Military Posture
Nuclear Facilities and International Oversight:Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said it is highly likely that Iran’s centrifuges at the Natanz nuclear facility were severely damaged or destroyed due to an Israeli-induced power outage. No damage was reported at the Fordow enrichment site, located deep within a mountain.
