TEHRAN, Saturday, March 7, 2026 (WNP): President of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian on Saturday called for national unity and resilience as the country grapples with intensifying conflict, vowing that Iran would stand firm in defense of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In a nationally broadcast address, the president extended condolences to the Iranian people over the martyrdom of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, senior military commanders and civilians killed in recent bombardments. He accused those responsible for the attacks of targeting civilian infrastructure, including schools and hospitals, despite claiming to uphold human rights and humanitarian values.

Pezeshkian said the attacks represented a blatant disregard for international law and humanitarian norms, adding that civilian centers across the country had come under fire during the ongoing escalation.

The Iranian president praised citizens for their unity and resilience during the crisis, noting that people from all backgrounds had come together to defend the nation.

“Every Iranian, regardless of religion or belief, has stood in defense of the territorial integrity of our country,” he said, describing national solidarity as a decisive factor that would thwart the objectives of Iran’s adversaries.

He urged political groups and social factions within Iran to set aside internal differences and focus on protecting the nation during the conflict.

Pezeshkian also addressed neighboring states, acknowledging that some military actions had occurred toward nearby territories during the early stages of the crisis. He said those actions took place under extraordinary circumstances after the loss of key leaders and commanders.

However, the president stressed that Iran had no intention of aggression toward its neighbors and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to regional stability.

“We consider neighboring countries our brothers,” he said, adding that Iran would prefer diplomacy and cooperation over confrontation.

According to Pezeshkian, the country’s Interim Leadership Council has issued instructions to the armed forces to refrain from attacks or missile strikes against neighboring countries unless those states initiate hostilities.

While emphasizing Iran’s readiness to defend itself, the president said the government remained committed to international law and humanitarian frameworks.

“All ministries and institutions are fully engaged to serve the people,” he said, assuring citizens that the government would take every possible measure to address challenges caused by the war.

Pezeshkian also warned regional countries against becoming instruments of external powers, urging them not to allow geopolitical rivalries to draw them into conflict.

Analysts say the president’s remarks reflect Tehran’s effort to rally domestic unity while signaling to neighboring states that Iran seeks to prevent the conflict from expanding further across the region.

The address comes as tensions in the Middle East remain high, with regional powers closely monitoring developments that could shape the course of the ongoing war.