In the face of escalating tensions with Israel, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has issued a passionate call to action, urging Muslim nations to put aside their differences and unite against the “genocidal criminal aggression” of Israel. As the conflict between Israel and Iran continues to intensify, Pezeshkian’s words have resonated deeply with many in the region, who view Israel’s actions as a threat not just to Iran, but to the entire Muslim world
Iranian attacks on Israel on Monday morning killed at least eight people and wounded dozens, while Tehran said Israeli attacks overnight hit military and civilian targets. The mutual strikes have pushed the death toll from four days of open conflict between the foes close to 250.
Iran announced it had launched some 100 missiles and pledged further retaliation for Israel’s sweeping attacks on its military and nuclear infrastructure, which have killed at least 224 people in the country since Friday. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz warned that residents in Tehran would “pay the price” for Iran’s killing of Israeli civilians in its overnight missile attacks. “The boastful dictator from Tehran has turned into a cowardly murderer, deliberately firing at Israel’s civilian home front in an attempt to deter the (Israeli military) from continuing the offensive that is crippling his capabilities,” Katz wrote on his Telegram channel.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian urged people to put aside differences and unite against Israel. “Every difference, issue, and problem that has existed must be put aside today, and we must stand strong against this genocidal criminal aggression with unity and coherence,” he said, addressing parliament. The IRGC warned through a statement to the official IRNA news agency, “effective, targeted and more devastating operations against the vital targets” in Israel “will continue until its complete destruction”.
US President Donald Trump said he hoped the adversaries would “make a deal”, but added that they might have to “fight it out” first. A staunch ally of Israel, Trump has maintained erratic messaging since the strikes began, raising concern that the conflict could escalate. Iran has said the US is complicit in the Israeli military action, and suggested it could target US forces in Syria and elsewhere in retaliation.
Elijah Magnier, a military and political analyst, told Al Jazeera that few signs of a let up have been seen. “I think it’s going to continue escalating because we are just in the first days of the war,” he said. Alex Vatanka, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, noted that Iran would likely welcome an end to hostilities in the non-too-distant future. “I don’t sense they have the confidence that they can stay in this game for long. Iran is alone. It’s got no friends, it’s on its own. Israel’s got the US, most of Europe and plenty of other friends … and that should obviously be of concern for Tehran”.