TEHRAN – Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian has reaffirmed that Iran’s political stance, which focuses on strengthening international peace and security while avoiding war and bloodshed.

In a telephone conversation on Monday, President Pezeshkian discussed the rising tensions in the West Asia with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. 

During the call, President Pezeshkian expressed his concern that the support provided by some Western countries, particularly the United States, to the Zionist regime is encouraging it to commit crimes and acts of genocide.

President Pezeshkian underscored that, according to international standards, any country that is attacked has the right to respond to the aggressor. 

Chancellor Scholz, on his part, urged Tehran to take proactive steps to prevent an escalation of tensions in West Asia, emphasizing the importance of maintaining stability in the region.

‘Iran retains right to self-defense following Haniyeh assasination’

President Pezeshkian asserted that Iran retains the right to defend itself and respond to Israel following the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of the Palestinian Resistance group Hamas, in Tehran. 

During a phone conversation with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin on Monday, Pezeshkian reiterated Iran's commitment to preventing war and promoting global peace. However, he emphasized that Iran would exercise its right to self-defense in the face of aggression.

Pezeshkian praised the Vatican's efforts to support global peace and called for a more active role in addressing Israel's actions in Gaza, urging the end of the blockade and the delivery of aid to those affected by the conflict. He condemned Israel's actions, labeling them as genocidal, and criticized the regime for targeting hospitals and schools in the region.

The Iranian president expressed frustration that, after ten months, the international community has not held Israel accountable for its actions in Gaza. He criticized the silence of the U.S. and certain Western nations, accusing them of enabling Israel's continued aggression through military and political support.

Cardinal Parolin, in response, commended President Pezeshkian's efforts to foster constructive international dialogue and promote peace and stability. The Vatican, he said, supports Iran's initiatives to encourage regional and global cooperation.

Haniyeh was martyred on July 31 while in the Iranian capital for President Pezeshkian's swearing-in ceremony.