Iran’s president highlights commitment to diplomacy amid U.S. aggression

In a message addressed to the leader of the Catholic Church, President Pezeshkian condemned the February 28, 2026, attack by the United States, which occurred during ongoing negotiations with Iran, describing it as a violation of international law and carried out with the support of Israel.

The President detailed the consequences of the attack, including the assassination of high-ranking Iranian political and military officials, the deaths of 3,468 civilians—including children at Shajareh Tayyebah School in Minab—and extensive damage to infrastructure, schools, hospitals, cultural sites, and religious centers.

Pezeshkian called the rhetoric of the U.S. President, threatening to “reduce Iran to the Stone Age,” an expression of pride, bullying, and lawlessness.

Highlighting Iran’s centuries-long tradition of peaceful coexistence among Muslims, Christians, Jews, and Zoroastrians, Pezeshkian stressed that Iran has never threatened its neighbors and only acted in defense against the use of U.S. military bases in Persian Gulf countries during the attacks.

He noted that the current tensions in the Strait of Hormuz are a direct result of these illegal actions and expressed Iran’s commitment to restoring secure and lawful navigation in the region once the situation stabilizes.

Despite repeated breaches of diplomacy by the United States, Iran has continued to pursue negotiations, including through mediation by Pakistan, demonstrating its commitment to international law and human values. Pezeshkian urged the global community to adopt a fair and realistic approach in confronting the U.S.’s aggressive policies.

He concluded by reaffirming Iran’s dedication to dialogue and peaceful resolution while maintaining its right to legitimate self-defense, and thanked Pope Leo XIV for supporting a “just peace” in the region.