Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian accused Israel of trying to provoke a wider conflict in the Middle East by escalating tensions with Hezbollah, a group backed by Tehran, Reuters reports.
Speaking to journalists in New York ahead of the United Nations General Assembly, Pezeshkian emphasized that Iran does not desire instability in the region and called for a peaceful resolution to conflicts, criticizing the international community for its silence on what he termed “Israel’s genocide” in Gaza. Pezeshkian did not specify whether Iran would directly intervene in the conflict but reiterated the country’s commitment to defending groups asserting their rights. The situation has led to significant displacement along the Israeli-Hezbollah border due to ongoing exchanges of fire.
The ongoing conflict has been exacerbated by the recent assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, which both Iran and Hamas attribute to Israel. Pezeshkian hinted at potential retaliation but stated it would be carried out at a suitable time and place. He also expressed frustration over the lack of progress in ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas, as Israel continues its military operations.
