Iranian President Emphasizes Defense and Open Negotiation Door

On Monday, Iranian President Masoud Bezhikian stated that his government's top priority is "national security and the reassurance of citizens." He affirmed that Iran will assertively defend the rights of its people and will not yield to any threats.

In a post on his official X account, Bezhikian described diplomacy and defense as "two wings of national strength." He highlighted that Iran has neither left the field of confrontation nor closed the door to negotiations.

The president further asserted that through "unity and rationality," Iran will overcome current challenges and emerge "stronger and more steadfast," according to his words.

Earlier on Monday, the central headquarters of the Khatam al-Anbiya in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard announced that the Iranian armed forces carried out a "painful response" against Israel. This action was described as retaliation for attacks in the southern suburbs of Beirut and southern Lebanon.

The statement clarified that the missile strikes against Israel were conducted in support of the oppressed Lebanese people. It added that these strikes conveyed a message intended to serve as a lesson for the Israeli entity and its supporters.