Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian urged Gulf neighbours to support diplomacy while defending Tehran’s retaliation against US-Israeli strikes. As naval clashes intensify and missile barrages continue, Iran faces mounting political uncertainty following Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s death.
Pezeshkian Appeals to Gulf Leaders Amid Escalation (Image Source: Internet)
New Delhi: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has reached out directly to neighbouring Arab nations, stressing that Tehran respects their sovereignty and prefers diplomacy over conflict. In a public message, he said Iran had attempted to avoid war through negotiations but was left with “no choice” after what he described as American and Israeli military aggression, reports Dynamite News correspondent.
Addressing regional leaders, Pezeshkian emphasized that peace and stability in the Middle East should be safeguarded by countries within the region rather than external powers. His remarks come as the conflict between Iran and the US-Israel alliance enters its sixth day, with violence expanding across land, sea and air.
The war intensified at sea after a US submarine reportedly sank the Iranian naval vessel IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean near Sri Lanka. According to Sri Lankan officials, distress signals were received from the ship, which had around 180 personnel on board. Rescue operations recovered dozens of bodies and saved several survivors.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described the strike as historic, claiming it was the first time since World War II that the United States had sunk an enemy ship using a torpedo. The development marks a significant maritime escalation and signals Washington’s readiness to expand military operations beyond airstrikes.
The conflict sharply escalated following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli strikes. In the aftermath, Pezeshkian addressed the nation, vowing that Iran’s armed forces would retaliate decisively. Tehran has since launched multiple missile and drone barrages targeting US and Israeli positions.
An interim leadership council has been formed to manage state affairs during the transition period. It includes President Pezeshkian, judiciary chief Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejehei, and senior cleric Ayatollah Ali Reza Arafi. Meanwhile, senior officials say the Assembly of Experts is close to selecting a new Supreme Leader, potentially within days.
US Defense Secretary Hegseth stated that the United States and Israel are nearing “complete control” of Iranian airspace and plan to intensify strikes. At the same time, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards announced the launch of around 40 missiles in what they called the 17th wave of Operation Honest Promise 4, targeting American and Israeli sites.
Public mourning ceremonies for Khamenei are underway in Tehran, reflecting both national grief and political uncertainty as Iran navigates war and leadership change simultaneously.
