Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Iran did not start this brutal war, speaking during a conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron.

"In my conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, I emphasized that Iran did not start this brutal war. Defense against aggression is a natural right, one we know well how to exercise. The use of American bases in the region against Iran, aimed at disrupting our relations with neighbors, must stop," he wrote on X.

"Peace and stability in the region cannot be achieved while ignoring the Zionist-American aggression against our country. The Islamic Republic of Iran will not submit to bullies. We expect the international community to condemn this aggression and convince the aggressors to comply with international law.

Starting a war on the basis of false information and with the goal of territorial conquest is an act of medievalism in the 21st century. Talking about ending aggression and guaranteeing that our land will not be attacked is meaningless."