Pezeshkian vows Iran will never surrender

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said the Iranian people will never surrender, asserting that Iran has successfully stood against both Israel and the United States despite mounting pressure and threats.

Addressing religious leaders, intellectuals and business representatives in New Delhi, Pezeshkian said Israel and the United States were seeking to intimidate Iran and force it to accept their demands.

“We do not want to accept pressure,” the Iranian president said, stressing that Tehran would not bow to its adversaries.

Pezeshkian said Iran would respond if it was pushed further, making clear that the country would continue to defend itself against attacks and threats.

“We will never kneel before them. If they push us, we will respond as well,” he said.

The Iranian president also strongly criticised attacks that he said had targeted civilians, children, scientists, schools and hospitals.

“How can you call us terrorists?” Pezeshkian asked, referring to the killing of civilians. He alleged that 168 children had been killed at a school in a single incident.

He questioned the justification for attacks on non-military targets and accused Israel and the United States of targeting ordinary people and vital infrastructure.

“If you have the courage, fight only soldiers and military personnel,” Pezeshkian said. “Why do you target infrastructure, people’s jobs and their livelihoods?”

The Iranian president argued that attacks on civilian facilities and economic infrastructure could not be justified as legitimate military operations. He also accused his opponents of targeting Iranian scientists and carrying out strikes against schools and hospitals.

Pezeshkian’s remarks came as tensions between Iran, Israel and the United States remain high, with Tehran continuing to reject demands that it surrender or accept pressure from its adversaries.

The Iranian president is currently in the Indian capital, New Delhi, where he is attending the BRICS summit. His visit comes amid heightened regional tensions and intense international focus on Iran’s confrontation with Israel and the United States.