Pezeshkian says several countries have begun mediation amid US-Israel aggression against Iran

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said that a number of countries had begun efforts to mediate in order to ease the widening conflict in the Middle East. However, he did not reveal which states were involved. In a post on social media, Pezeshkian stressed that Iran remains committed to regional peace but will not hesitate to defend the sovereignty of the nation. “Several countries have begun mediation efforts. Let us make clear: we are committed to lasting peace in the region, but we will not hesitate to defend the dignity and sovereignty of our nation,” Pezeshkian was quoted by the BBC. He added that mediation should be aimed at the party that provoked the conflict. “Mediation should be directed at those who belittle the Iranian people and trigger this conflict,” he continued. Pezeshkian’s remarks come as neighbouring Arab states weigh their responses to Iran’s missile strikes targeting US military bases as well as civilian infrastructure and energy in their region. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump asserted that Washington would not strike any deal with Tehran unless Iran surrenders unconditionally. “There will be no deal with Iran without unconditional surrender,” he wrote on his Truth Social platform. He also stated that the United States, together with its allies, would help rebuild Iran after the conflict ends. “After that, and after a great and acceptable leader is elected, we with many outstanding and very brave allies and partners will work tirelessly to bring Iran back from the brink of collapse, making it bigger, better, and stronger economically than ever before,” he said. He concluded his statement with optimism about Iran’s future: “IRAN WILL HAVE A BRIGHT FUTURE. MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN!” he insisted. As the first week of a widening war unfolds, the conflict’s impact is being felt across the Middle East, including in states not directly targeted. In Egypt, the war has added pressure to an economy that is already fragile. Several global shipping firms have begun diverting routes away from the Suez Canal, a major source of foreign currency for the country. The situation could also hit the tourism sector and affect millions of Egyptians working in Gulf states. Egypt is a close ally of the United States and a major recipient of military aid from Washington. However, it maintains a national security policy that restricts the presence of foreign military bases on its soil. In Syria, the government has intensified deployments along the border with Lebanon and Iraq to prevent infiltration by Iran-backed armed groups, notably Hizballah. State media reported casualties from debris of Iranian missiles that fell in the country. In the occupied West Bank, several checkpoints and military gates were closed early in the conflict for security reasons, restricting the movement of Palestinians. Debris from Iranian missiles was also reported to have fallen in several Palestinian villages. Palestinians rely on sirens from Israeli settlements or apps used by Israelis to monitor rocket attacks. In the Gaza Strip, humanitarian aid has again entered through the Kerem Shalom crossing after Israel closed it for three days citing the threat of Iranian attacks. The Rafah crossing on the border with Egypt, the main medical evacuation route, remained closed. Talks about Trump’s proposed Gaza peace initiative have reportedly been delayed because several involved parties are now drawn into the widening regional conflict. Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmail Baghaei, accused the United States and Israel of carrying out strikes targeting a school in Niloufar Square, Tehran. The comments came after Qatar’s Prime Minister spoke by phone with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian. Local Iranian media reported 160 people killed in air strikes by the United States and Israel on a school in southern Iran. President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasised that the Iranian people will not bow to intimidation and called for national unity to overcome political and economic pressure. He reiterated that Tehran would not bow to excessive demands by the United States regarding its nuclear programme, amid ongoing negotiations and rising regional tensions.