Iran Says It Does Not Seek Regional Escalation, Vows to Defend Security Interests

TEHRAN, Aug 3: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Monday that Tehran does not seek to increase tensions or instability in the region but will use all available capabilities to defend its security, national interests and territorial integrity.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran does not seek to escalate tensions or instability in the region. However, it will act with its full capabilities to defend the country's security, national interests, and territorial integrity,” Pezeshkian said in remarks reported by Press TV.

His comments come amid heightened tensions in the Middle East following a series of military confrontations involving Iran, the United States and Israel. The escalation began after US and Israeli strikes on Iran in February, followed by Iranian retaliatory attacks targeting several countries in the region.

Washington and Tehran later agreed to a ceasefire in April and signed a Pakistan-mediated memorandum of understanding in June aimed at ending their military confrontation and achieving a lasting peace agreement. However, the arrangement collapsed last month, leading to nearly two weeks of renewed exchanges of attacks between the two sides.

US President Donald Trump said Saturday that he had canceled a planned military strike against Iran after Tehran and other regional countries requested additional time to complete the framework of a peace agreement. Trump said Israel had also joined the commitment.

Meanwhile, Pezeshkian held a phone conversation with newly elected Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya, discussing developments related to Palestine and the situation in Gaza and the West Bank.

According to a Hamas statement, Pezeshkian reaffirmed Iran’s support for the Palestinian people and their rights while congratulating Hayya on becoming the group’s new leader.

Hamas announced on July 20 that Hayya was elected to succeed Yahya Sinwar, who was killed in a clash with Israeli forces in southern Gaza in October 2024.

During the call, Hayya stressed the Palestinian people’s commitment to securing their rights and using what he described as legitimate means to achieve them. He also expressed hope for an end to attacks on Iran and a return of security and stability across the region.

The conversation followed the release of a draft agreement by the Board of Peace outlining principles and mechanisms for the next phase of US President Donald Trump’s Gaza plan, including security arrangements, transitional administration and a proposed political pathway for the enclave.