TEHRAN – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has severely criticized the U.S. and European governments, accusing them of supporting a "savage" Zionist regime that operates with impunity. 

Speaking on Tuesday at a meeting with experts and officials from the cultural heritage and tourism sector, Pezeshkian criticized the U.S. and Europe for their role in establishing and sponsoring Israel in the region. He described Israel as a regime that feels no compunction about massacring people, refusing to abide by any rules in its campaign of violence while simultaneously advocating for human rights. 

The Iranian president further criticized the international community's silence on Israel's actions, particularly the killings of women and children. He argued that those who claim to be champions of human rights should be condemned for their silence on these atrocities.

Pezeshkian's remarks echo the sentiments of Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, who previously condemned the presence of the U.S. and certain European countries in the region as the primary cause of the region's instability. Ayatollah Khamenei emphasized that removing these foreign actors would pave the way for peace and prosperity in West Asia.

“The root of the problem and the fundamental cause of conflicts and wars in the region lies in the presence of the United States and certain European countries that falsely advocate for peace and tranquility. If they leave this region, the conflicts and wars would come to an end, allowing the countries to manage their affairs and coexist in peace and prosperity,” the Leader said.

Since the beginning of Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza a year ago, the regime has slaughtered over 42,000 Palestinians, the majority of whom have been women and children. Medics argue the number of casualties is significantly higher, as the regime’s decimation of the medical system in Gaza makes it impossible to keep an accurate count. 

Israel has now spread its violence to surrounding areas in the region. On Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu threatened to “make Lebanon like Gaza”, referring to how has managed to raze the entirety of the enclave to the ground. 

Western states continue to arm Israel despite growing calls from the public and rights groups asking their officials to stop supporting Israel’s genocide in the region. Western politicians have said time and time again that they are committed to protecting Israel’s “security”.