Iran did not start the war, was forced to defend itself: Pezeshkian

According to the Iranian news agency IRNA, in an interview with an Indian TV channel he termed the US and Israeli attacks a violation of international law and human principles. He said the Iranian nation had become more united despite the attacks.

Rejecting US and Israeli objections to Iran’s nuclear programme, the Iranian president said: “Iran is not trying to acquire nuclear weapons. The United States and Israel attacked during negotiations. Tehran was close to an agreement. Iran agreed to a framework, but US President Trump rejected it.”

President Masoud Pezeshkian described Iran’s relations with neighbouring countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Qatar, Russia and China, as friendly. He said US military bases in the region were the main problem.