Iran's Pezeshkian says committed to lasting peace but no hesitation in defending authority

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that his country is committed to lasting peace in the region but will have no hesitation in defending its "honor and authority."

Pezeshkian wrote on his X account on Friday, March 6, that some countries have initiated mediation efforts and Iran's response to them is clear. He added that mediation should be directed at parties that, by underestimating the Iranian people and through their actions, have caused tensions to flare up.

The remarks come amid heightened tensions and conflicts in the region, particularly between the United States, Israel, and Iran, with some countries urging the involved parties to end the war to reduce tensions. The reported war between Iran and the United States has entered its seventh day, during which senior Iranian officials including Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and more than 1,000 Iranian citizens have been killed.