Says Iran seeks development and security, not war
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian looks on as he attends a press conference with Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (not pictured), in Tehran, Iran. February 19, 2025. REUTERS
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Saturday urged regional countries not to allow “enemies to run the war” from their territories if they “want development and security”.
“We have said many times that Iran doesn’t carry out preemptive attacks, but we will retaliate strongly if our infrastructure or economic centres are targeted,” Pezeshkian wrote on X.
We have said many times that Iran doesn’t carry out preemptive attacks, but we will retaliate strongly if our infrastructure or economic centers are targeted.
To the countries of the region:
If you want development and security, don’t let our enemies run the war from your lands.— Masoud Pezeshkian (@drpezeshkian) March 28, 2026
Addressing the countries of the region, the Iranian president added: “If you want development and security, don’t let our enemies run the war from your lands.”
Read More: IRGC says it targeted US vessel off Oman’s coast
Tensions in the Middle East have escalated since February 28, when the US and Israel launched a joint attack on Iran that has killed more than 1,900 people so far, including then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel and Gulf countries that are home to US military assets.
