AiBotTEHRAN, IRAN – In a provocative statement made on Wednesday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized his government’s unwavering stance on its defensive capabilities, including its possession of ballistic missiles. The Iranian leader asserted that the country’s military capabilities are essential for self-defense, given the perceived aggressive intentions of major Western powers, namely Israel and the United States.
President Pezeshkian’s remarks were made in response to repeated criticism and sanctions levied against Iran by the international community, largely due to the country’s alleged human rights abuses. The Iranian president dismissed these concerns as a “great lie,” stating that if Iran were to disarm, it would be left vulnerable to attacks by its adversaries.
“If we did not have our missiles, which are for our self-defense, Israel and America would have plowed through Iran the way Gaza was plowed through, and they would have shown no mercy to the old or the young,” the president warned. He cited the recent devastation inflicted upon Gaza by Israeli forces as an example of the consequences of being unable to defend oneself against more powerful adversaries.
Pezeshkian further underscored Iran’s position on its defensive capabilities, stating that the country will not engage in negotiations with any foreign power over its military strength. “Therefore, we will never, under any circumstances, negotiate with anyone over our defensive capabilities,” the president declared.
The Iranian president’s unyielding stance on his country’s defensive capabilities is likely to exacerbate tensions between Tehran and the international community. The United States and the European Union have imposed stringent sanctions on Iran in recent years, citing concerns over the country’s nuclear program and human rights record.
Pezeshkian’s statement also highlights the deep-seated mistrust that exists between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Western powers, which has been a hallmark of their relationship for decades. The Iranian president’s commitment to maintaining a strong defensive posture reflects the country’s determination to safeguard its sovereignty and resist external pressures.
As the international community grapples with the complex and often contentious issues surrounding Iran’s nuclear program and human rights record, President Pezeshkian’s unwavering stance on his country’s defensive capabilities is likely to remain a major point of contention. The statement serves as a stark reminder of the significant challenges that lie ahead in efforts to stabilize the region and establish a more cooperative dialogue between Iran and its international interlocutors.