President Masoud Pezeshkian’s sharp words on Friday underscore Iran’s unbowed spirit amid foreign mediation pushes in its showdown with Israel and the United States. Fresh from grieving Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Tehran insists on peace paired with pride and autonomy.
Via X, he warned: ‘Mediation attempts are underway by some. We’re steadfast for regional peace, fully prepared to shield our independence. Focus intervention on instigators who misjudged Iranian resolve and fanned the flames.’
Parallel developments include Iran’s barrage of ballistic missiles on Israel, spotlighting the new Khorramshahr-4 heavyweight. Lebanon’s National News Agency reported Israeli jets hitting a Sidon apartment block adjacent to Al-Siddiq Mosque; ambulances arrived fast, casualties unconfirmed.
US posture hardened at CENTCOM in Tampa, where Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Operation Epic Fury’s ramp-up. ‘Built for war, bound for triumph,’ he asserted to media, detailing devastation to Iran’s navy, missiles, and control of air and sea.
Hegseth thanked CENTCOM’s Admiral Brad Cooper and over 50,000 personnel for ‘precision assaults’ in mere days. Entering Day 6, the operation aims to nullify Iran’s American threats. Cooper cited 200 bomber hits inside Iran over 72 hours, encompassing Tehran outskirts.
Kuwait’s military suffered 67 injuries amid the chaos, its forces intercepting 212 missiles and 394 drones, as stated by spokesman Saud Al-Atwan. 24/7 vigilance with security and government bodies prevails.
As volleys fly and envoys hover, Pezeshkian’s message reframes the conflict: underplaying Iran invites peril in this high-stakes arena.