Pezeshkian: Enemy misread remarks, Iran will not yield an inch of its territory

Pezeshkian made the comments while reviewing national healthcare issues during a meeting with Minister of Health and Medical Education Mohammad-Reza Zafarghandi.

Addressing the Iranian public, the president expressed appreciation for the nation’s resilience and unity, saying public presence and solidarity had disappointed Iran’s enemies.

The enemy had naive interpretations of his words, Pezeshkian said, adding that their goal is to keep Iran and neighboring countries in a state of war and to sow discord among the regional nations.

He reiterated Iran’s long‑stated position toward regional states, noting that, in line with remarks by the martyred Leader of the Islamic Revolution, the country considers neighboring states as brothers and seeks constructive relations with them.

Pezeshkian emphasized that any attack on Iranian territory would be met with a decisive response, adding that retaliation should not be interpreted as hostility toward other nations or their peoples. If Iran is attacked, Iranians are compelled to respond, the president said. The greater the pressure imposed on the Iranian people and territory, the stronger their response will be, he warned.

The president also condemned the killing of civilians, saying Iran is morally opposed to the loss of innocent lives. He criticized the criminal US and Israeli regimes over civilian casualties in Gaza, questioning their accountability for the deaths of tens of thousands of children.

He said Iran’s armed forces and volunteer units remain fully deployed across the country and are prepared to defend the nation, adding that Iran would not bow to bullying, injustice, or aggression.

Pezeshkian acknowledged concerns among regional populations affected by rising tensions and said Iran remains committed to friendship and cooperation with neighboring countries.