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Iranian President Pezeshkian has accused Israel and the US of seeking to turn the Persian Gulf nations against Tehran
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. (Image: Reuters)
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Friday accused Israel and the United States of seeking to turn the Persian Gulf nations against Tehran while also stating that the two allied nations were trying to exploit the country’s internal challenges in the face of a broader conflict.
His remarks unfold as the war in Iran drags on, with the resumption of commercial shipping through the key Strait of Hormuz emerging as a major sticking point.
“Israel and the United States are attempting to turn the Persian Gulf nations against us. We’re working to prevent this. Of course, we face internal challenges as well, due to varying perspectives. And naturally, America and Israel are exploiting this situation”, Pezeshkian said in an interview with the Iranian state television.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian:Israel and the United States are attempting to turn the Persian Gulf nations against us. We’re working to prevent this.
Of course, we face internal challenges as well, due to varying perspectives. And naturally, America and Israel are… pic.twitter.com/DGFWiEUF3H
— Clash Report (@clashreport) August 7, 2026
In what can be viewed as a conciliatory approach toward the neighbouring Gulf nations, Pezeshkian said: “My conviction, as I’ve stated before—and I don’t say this just for show—is that all Muslims are brothers. This is what the Prophet of God taught, and what the Holy Book says. Brotherhood means that all Muslims, whether Shia or Sunni, are united. Every Muslim is a brother.”
‘Why US, China Don’t Fight?’
The Iranian President also invoked the strained ties between the US and China, suggesting that a country must “mind its own business” in order to survive.
“In order to survive, we must know what we are doing: when to fight, when to make peace, and when to simply mind our own business while they mind theirs. Are China and the United States friends? China is America’s greatest rival, yet why don’t they fight? China focuses on its own work and grows stronger every day”, he told the Iranian State TV.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian:In order to survive, we must know what we are doing: when to fight, when to make peace, and when to simply mind our own business while they mind theirs.
Are China and the United States friends? China is America’s greatest rival, yet why… pic.twitter.com/eOGFZfyY8k
— Clash Report (@clashreport) August 7, 2026
Defending his country’s stance on shipping through the strait, Pezeshkian underlined that action was taken against ships that had “violated regulations”.
“In certain parts of the strait, they claim we didn’t comply, so we took action. In the strait, we initiated military confrontations with ships that had violated regulations. Yet, some come out and declare that we are traitors or that we haven’t fulfilled the agreement. We firmly defend the memorandum we signed”, he said.
Pezeshkian reiterated that Iran would continue to fight, while asserting that Israel wants the conflict to continue. “Find me one single clause where we surrendered. Some keep insisting on war—which is exactly what Israel wants. If they try to force us into submission, we will fight. We will not back down, and we will not bow our heads. But when we can secure our rights, why should we continue the conflict? That is what Israel wants”, he said.
On Rift Between Armed Forces, Govt
President Pezeshkian junked reports signaling friction between the Iranian government and the IRGC, saying Tehran is “united” and “cohesive”.
“There is no rift between the government and the armed forces. Iran is united and cohesive, and sowing division is what the country’s enemies want. Our fighters amazed the world”, he said.
August 08, 2026, 08:03 IST
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