In a significant diplomatic exchange, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has emphatically declared Iran’s “inalienable and natural right” to protect its territorial integrity following coordinated military actions by the United States and Israel. The assertion came during a high-level telephone discussion with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday, addressing the aftermath of what Iranian leadership characterizes as an “illegal” offensive against their nation.
President Pezeshkian presented a detailed account of the events, stating that the military aggression occurred during sensitive nuclear negotiations, resulting in the tragic demise of then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, numerous high-ranking military officials, and civilian casualties. The Iranian leader emphasized that his country did not initiate hostilities but found itself compelled to respond to external military actions that targeted both strategic infrastructure and populated areas.
The conversation between the two leaders extended beyond immediate security concerns to encompass broader regional stability and bilateral relations. President Pezeshkian articulated Iran’s ongoing commitment to regional security cooperation while addressing navigation safety in the Strait of Hormuz. He identified the strategic waterway’s current security challenges as direct consequences of the US-Israeli military operations, while simultaneously affirming Iran’s implementation of measures to guarantee safe maritime passage.
Prime Minister Sharif responded with expressions of profound sympathy, conveying Pakistan’s official condolences for the loss of Iranian lives and leadership figures. The Pakistani leader acknowledged Iran’s facilitation of safe passage for Pakistani vessels through the Hormuz Strait and advocated for collaborative regional initiatives to reduce tensions and reestablish lasting peace. In a notable demonstration of diplomatic solidarity, Sharif unequivocally stated that “Pakistan has always been and will always be by the side of the Iranian government and nation,” signaling continued alignment with Tehran despite complex international pressures.