Iranian President Issues New Ultimatum, Ready to Confront US and Israel
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has emphasised that Tehran will never surrender to the United States. This firm statement was delivered directly during a speech before religious leaders in New Delhi on Friday.
According to reports, this visit marks Pezeshkian’s first trip to India to attend the BRICS Summit and to hold bilateral meetings with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
During the occasion, Pezeshkian asserted that Iran has successfully resisted aggression from the US and Israel. “Because we seek truth and justice, we will not surrender to oppressive arrogance,” he stated.
Pezeshkian’s remarks ahead of the BRICS Summit come shortly after US President Donald Trump claimed that Iran would destroy Israel and the Middle East, and begin attacking US cities if Washington does not take decisive military action against the nation. “If I had to do it again, I would do exactly what I have done,” Trump said.
On the other hand, Pezsebkian also held bilateral meetings with Modi on Friday. During the meeting, the Indian Prime Minister highlighted the issue of seafarer safety and emphasised the importance of peace, freedom of navigation, and trade. Modi specifically urged that the escalating conflict in the Middle East be resolved immediately through dialogue and diplomacy.
Notably, the shipment of oil and cargo through the Strait of Hormuz, which separates Iran and Oman, has reportedly slowed drastically since the US and Israel began hostilities against Iran on 28 February. This blockade and series of attacks have left many ships and sailors stranded at sea for weeks or even months.
The escalation of fighting this month has triggered a sharp surge in global crude oil prices, posing a serious threat to energy-importing nations. As one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies, India is highly vulnerable to supply disruptions, as it imports nearly 85% of its fuel requirements and relies heavily on the supply chain artery of the Strait of Hormuz.
This bloody conflict has also claimed the lives of many Indian civilians. Last July, two ships carrying a total of 30 Indian sailors were attacked while traversing the Strait of Hormuz. According to Indian government data, 10 of their sailors have died due to the expanding conflict in the Middle East.
Despite being overshadowed by geopolitical tensions and the energy crisis, Modi and Pezeshkian were seen shaking hands warmly as they exited the BRICS Business Forum on Friday. The Iranian Embassy in India also celebrated the closeness of bilateral relations through an official post on the X platform.
“When the leaders of two great nations shake hands, they remind us of the historic friendship between two great civilisations,” the embassy stated.