As regional tensions rise, Iran insists strikes are defensive while Israel launches new attacks and reports emerge of US–Israel discussions on securing Iran’s nuclear material
Tehran: Amid rapidly escalating tensions in the Middle East, Masoud Pezeshkian, the President of Iran, on Sunday said that his recent remarks had been “misinterpreted by the enemy”, stressing that Tehran continues to seek friendly relations with neighboring countries even as retaliatory military actions continue.
Speaking through remarks broadcast on state television, Pezeshkian said Iran had consistently viewed its neighboring nations as “brothers” and maintained that the country remains committed to maintaining strong diplomatic and regional ties.
However, he emphasized that Iran was forced to respond to attacks launched from another country’s territory, making it clear that such retaliatory strikes should not be interpreted as hostility toward neighboring states.
“Iran has repeatedly said it considers neighboring countries as brothers. Our response to attacks does not mean we have disputes with them or wish to harm their people,” Pezeshkian said.
The Iranian president further accused unnamed adversaries of attempting to create divisions between Iran and its regional neighbors, warning that misinformation could destabilize diplomatic relations in the region.
Power Struggle Emerges Within Iran’s Wartime Leadership
Despite the president’s conciliatory remarks, reports indicate that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) continued launching strikes against neighboring territories, highlighting internal tensions within Iran’s wartime command structure.
According to reports, the IRGC carried out attacks targeting United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, and the Iraqi Kurdistan shortly after Pezeshkian publicly stated that he had instructed the armed forces to halt such operations.
The strikes followed strong criticism from hardline factions within Iran, exposing divisions over who holds real authority in military decision-making during wartime.
Analysts say the developments highlight the limited influence President Pezeshkian may have within Iran’s power hierarchy, even though he currently serves on a temporary three-member leadership council that is exercising powers normally held by the country’s supreme leader during wartime conditions.
Israel Launches New Wave of Military Strikes
Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that it had begun a fresh wave of airstrikes across Iran, targeting what it described as the country’s military infrastructure and operational capabilities.
According to an official statement, the strikes are aimed at launch systems and other strategic facilities linked to Iran’s military operations.
The escalation marks one of the most intense phases of military confrontation between Iran and Israel, raising fears of a broader regional conflict.
US–Israel Discuss Options to Secure Iran’s Nuclear Material
Amid the growing conflict, discussions have reportedly taken place between the United States and Israel regarding potential plans to secure Iran’s highly enriched uranium stockpiles, according to a report by Axios citing sources familiar with the talks.
Officials are said to be considering two possible strategies. One proposal involves removing the entire uranium stockpile from Iran, while another option suggests deploying nuclear experts to dilute the material within the country.
During a conversation with reporters aboard Air Force One, former US President Donald Trump did not rule out the possibility of deploying ground forces in Iran, though he said such a step would occur only under exceptional circumstances.
“At some point maybe we will. We haven't gone after it. We wouldn't do it now. Maybe we will do it later,” Trump said when asked whether troops could be sent to secure nuclear material.
Reports have also suggested that American officials discussed the possibility of seizing Kharg Island in the Persian Gulf, a strategic location responsible for nearly 90 percent of Iran’s crude oil exports.
Rising Risk of Wider Regional Conflict
The combination of ongoing Israeli airstrikes, Iranian retaliatory actions, and potential US strategic involvement has significantly raised concerns among global observers about the risk of a wider conflict in the Middle East.
Diplomatic experts warn that continued escalation could destabilize regional security, disrupt global energy markets, and intensify geopolitical tensions.
