Iranian President Stresses No Intention to Expand War

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has stated that Tehran will defend its territory but has no intention of continuing or expanding the war. “Conflict, whether in an area, a city, a country, or between nations, is a disease that emerges,” Pezeshkian told Iranian state media. “We will defend our borders, but we have no intention of expanding the war or continuing it.” Pezeshkian linked Iran’s national security to domestic cohesion, arguing that addressing internal divisions helps prevent foreign interference. “In this situation, we must strive to build a healthy society so that the enemy is not tempted to infiltrate, disrupt our social order, and destroy it,” he said. In a separate interview with state television, Pezeshkian denied reports that he would resign from his post and pledged to remain as President. “We are in full coordination with the military forces. I will not step down, and I will remain steadfast,” Pezeshkian said, adding, “If I were to resign, I would announce it officially.” The denial followed remarks by senior Iranian cleric Mohammed-Bagher Kharrazi, who claimed that Pezeshkian had threatened to resign “28 times”. A previous report had suggested Pezeshkian submitted a resignation letter to the office of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, citing his administration’s exclusion from key decision-making and a takeover of government affairs by hardliners. Iranian authorities denied the existence of any resignation letter at the time. Iran has been engaged in conflict with the United States and Israel since late February. Fighting paused after a ceasefire was agreed in April, but hostilities resumed after Tehran and Washington exchanged attacks. The situation has repeatedly de-escalated only to flare up again. Recently, US President Donald Trump announced the cancellation of a planned military strike against Iran, which was reportedly to be conducted jointly with Israel. Trump claimed he was “asked by Iran and other Middle Eastern countries” to postpone the attack. Tehran has denied requesting the delay and dismissed Trump’s claims of ongoing negotiations between the two countries. “We are not engaged in negotiations with the United States,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei told a press conference.