‘Turning Gulf nations against us’: Iran President Pezeshkian accuses US, Israel

Tehran: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has accused the United States and Israel of attempting to turn Persian Gulf nations against Tehran, saying the two countries are exploiting Iran's internal challenges amid the ongoing West Asia conflict.

Speaking to Iranian state television on Friday, Pezeshkian said Tehran was working to prevent Gulf countries from being drawn into confrontation with Iran.

He also acknowledged differences within Iran but claimed that Washington and Tel Aviv were attempting to exploit those divisions.

‘All Muslims are brothers’: Iran’s appeal to Gulf states

Pezeshkian used the interview to make an appeal for greater unity among Muslim countries, including those with different sectarian backgrounds.

“My conviction ... is that all Muslims are brothers,” he said, adding that Muslims, whether Shia or Sunni, should remain united.

The comments come as Iran faces heightened tensions with several countries in the region and amid continued uncertainty over commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

Pezeshkian invokes China-US ties

The Iranian president also referred to relations between China and the United States while discussing how countries should manage geopolitical conflicts.

He argued that countries need to know when to fight, when to seek peace and when to focus on their own interests.

Pezeshkian pointed to China and the US as rivals that continue to pursue their respective interests without entering direct military conflict with each other.

Iran defends actions in Strait of Hormuz

Addressing maritime activity in the Strait of Hormuz, Pezeshkian said Iranian forces had acted against vessels that Tehran believed had violated regulations.

He maintained that Iran would defend its interests but suggested that Tehran did not want the conflict to continue indefinitely if its rights could be secured.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a major point of tension because of its importance to global energy and commercial shipping.

‘We will not bow our heads’

Pezeshkian said Iran would continue to resist any attempt to force the country into submission.

“If they try to force us into submission, we will fight. We will not back down, and we will not bow our heads,” he said.

At the same time, he questioned the need for a prolonged conflict if Iran could secure what it considers its legitimate rights.

Pezeshkian rejects Iran leadership rift claims

The Iranian president also rejected reports of divisions between his civilian government and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

“There is no rift between the government and the armed forces,” Pezeshkian said, describing Iran as “united and cohesive”.

He said attempts to portray divisions within Iran served the interests of the country's opponents. Pezeshkian's remarks combine an appeal for Muslim unity with a warning to Gulf states against becoming involved in the Iran conflict. His comments also come as the Strait of Hormuz remains central to regional security, maritime trade and global energy supplies.