Video: Iran will defend territory, rejects regional escalation — Iranian President
Iranian President, Masoud Pezeshkian
Abdullateef Fowewe
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has stated that the country will defend its territorial integrity but has no intention of expanding the ongoing conflict, calling for greater national unity to prevent foreign interference.
“We will protect our territorial integrity, yet we have no intention of widening the conflict,” Pezeshkian said during a domestic event on August 4, 2026.
He urged Iranians to build a more united society capable of resisting external pressure and preventing internal divisions.
“We must work to forge a society that offers the enemy no temptation to interfere, no opening to infiltrate, and no means to divide or dismantle us,” he said.
Pezeshkian’s comments come amid months of direct military exchanges involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, as well as repeated ceasefires and renewed tensions linked to disputes over the Strait of Hormuz.
The Iranian president has described the conflict as a “disease” and presented social cohesion and national resilience as essential safeguards against foreign exploitation.
His remarks also appeared to signal a desire to prevent further regional escalation as efforts to stabilise the situation remain fragile.
Pezeshkian has previously said Iran does not seek to increase tensions or insecurity in the region, while insisting that Tehran would use its full capabilities to protect its security, national interests, and territorial integrity.
In a separate post on X, Pezeshkian described a recently signed memorandum as a potential foundation for Iran’s future foreign relations.
“The memorandum that was signed is the result of the collective wisdom of the Shura Council’s members, and all members are in sympathy with it.
“I believe this memorandum will be the centre of gravity of our foreign relations in the future,” he added, urging efforts to ensure that the opposing side remains committed to the agreement.
“We must strive to compel the enemy to remain committed to what it has signed,” Pezeshkian said.
Adding that, “The security of the country, the region, and our allies will be enhanced by this memorandum.”
However, Dailyeconomy had earlier reported that Iran’s Foreign Ministry has said that no negotiations are currently taking place directly between Tehran and Washington.
It said discussions with Oman were focused on arrangements for the safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway at the centre of the latest disputes.
