Key facts
- Iran will not surrender to "bullying" and "arrogance" from the US and Israel, President Masoud Pezeshkian said.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated Iran will not surrender to pressure from the US and Israel, accusing them of targeting civilian infrastructure and essential supplies. Speaking in New Delhi during a visit for the BRICS summit, Pezeshkian vowed Iran would defend its national interests and push back against aggression.

The statements underscore Iran's firm stance amidst heightened regional tensions and US sanctions, signaling a continued commitment to defending its national interests and potentially impacting diplomatic efforts and energy market stability.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared that Iran would not yield to pressure from the United States and Israel, accusing Washington of targeting civilian infrastructure and essential supplies. Speaking in New Delhi during his visit for the BRICS summit, Pezeshkian stated that Iran would stand firm to protect its national interests and push back against aggression.
Pezeshkian criticized what he termed "bullying" and "arrogance" from the US and Israel, questioning why they would target civilian infrastructure, food, and medicine instead of military forces. He cited an incident where 168 schoolchildren were allegedly killed, questioning accusations that Iran poses a terrorist threat and instead accusing its opponents of targeting civilians and essential facilities. He emphasized that Iran would continue defending itself against attacks and would respond if its opponents attempted to push the country further.
During his three-day visit to India, Pezeshkian held talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focusing on the situation in West Asia and bilateral ties. He also attended the BRICS Business Forum, advocating for increased use of local currencies in trade among member states and highlighting Iran's strategic location and resources as a potential bridge for economic connectivity within the bloc. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, also present, commented on India's role in leading the BRICS group.