Iranian President Pezeshkian: “We Will Not Kneel Before Our Enemies or Surrender Our Defensive Capabilities”
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said that Iran’s adversaries sought to bring the Islamic Republic “to its knees” before destroying it, comparing the alleged objective to the destruction of Qatar.
Pezeshkian stressed that Iran would not accept such a scenario and would not surrender its ability to defend itself.
According to the Iranian president, Tehran cannot accept demands that would force it to abandon its defensive capabilities or leave the country vulnerable to external threats.
Message to Iran’s Arab Neighbors
Pezeshkian also addressed Iran’s neighboring Arab countries, emphasizing that Tehran does not seek territorial expansion or military conquest of neighboring states.
“We do not want to invade other countries. We do not want territorial expansion, unlike the Zionist regime, which seeks what is described as a ‘Greater Israel.’ We do not want a ‘Greater Iran,’” Pezeshkian said.
He stressed that Iran considers the Arab states surrounding it to be neighbors and brothers, arguing that the countries share borders, history and regional interests and therefore should not be drawn into unnecessary conflicts.
“We consider all neighboring countries our brothers. We share borders, we are neighbors, and there is no need for conflict,” he said.
Criticism of Israel
Pezeshkian contrasted Iran’s stated regional policy with Israel’s actions, accusing Israel of failing to respect the borders and sovereignty of Muslim-majority countries.
He argued that Israel has repeatedly focused on military intervention and territorial expansion in the region, while Iran does not seek to establish a larger state through the annexation of neighboring territories.
The Iranian president’s remarks come amid heightened regional tensions and continued confrontation between Iran and Israel. Tehran has repeatedly presented its military capabilities as necessary for national defense, while Israel has argued that Iran’s missile and military programs represent a major threat to Israeli security.
Pezeshkian’s latest comments appear aimed not only at defending Iran’s military posture but also at reassuring neighboring Arab governments that Tehran does not seek to expand Iranian territory at their expense.
At the same time, his remarks highlight the deep divide between Tehran and Israel over competing visions for the region, with Iran portraying itself as defending its sovereignty and Israel accusing Iran of supporting armed groups and threatening regional security.
The central message from Tehran remains clear: Iran says it is prepared to pursue relations with its neighbors, but it will not accept demands that it surrender what it considers essential defensive capabilities.