Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has demanded reparations and firm international guarantees against future aggression, saying they are essential to ending the ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel. He described the war as “ignited by the Zionist regime [of Israel] & US.”
In a post on social media platform X, Pezeshkian said he had spoken with leaders of Russia and Pakistan. He wrote:
“I reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to peace in the region. The only way to end this war—ignited by the Zionist regime & US—is recognizing Iran’s legitimate rights, payment of reparations, and firm int'l guarantees against future aggression.”
The statement came amid escalating hostilities that began on February 28, when Israel and the US launched a joint attack on Iran. According to Iranian authorities, the offensive has so far killed over 1,200 people, including Iran’s then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, and injured more than 10,000. Tehran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets.
Pezeshkian’s remarks followed a conversation with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who sought to explore the possibility of a ceasefire. Diplomatic sources said the United States had previously sent ceasefire proposals to Tehran, but Iran has yet to respond, prompting Washington to engage European and regional countries to mediate.
The Iranian president reiterated that Tehran has “no intention of targeting or engaging in conflict with regional countries” but will strike only bases from which Iranian territory is attacked, citing the right to self-defence.
Regional observers warn that without recognition of Iran’s legitimate rights and clear security guarantees, the conflict could further destabilise the Middle East. Meanwhile, Pakistan has reaffirmed its support for Saudi Arabia, stating that it stands by Riyadh “no matter what.”
Pezeshkian also discussed the conflict with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who reportedly urged a swift de-escalation through political means. The Iranian leader’s demands highlight Tehran’s insistence that reparations and international guarantees are preconditions for any sustainable peace.