Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has warned the US of retaliation after airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, stating that the US must “receive the response to its aggression”.
During a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron, Pezeshkian emphasized Iran’s commitment to diplomacy with Europe while insisting the US be held accountable for its attacks.
“We have always declared our readiness for dialogue and interaction with Europe and have never abandoned the path of diplomacy, as we maintain that no one suffers harm from dialogue,” Pezeshkian said.
Macron reiterated France’s willingness to pursue negotiations with Iran and affirmed Paris would continue efforts to de-escalate the conflict.
The US strikes on Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan followed Israeli attacks on multiple Iranian locations, including nuclear and military sites, which killed senior commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians. Iran retaliated with missile and drone strikes on Israel. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties: over 400 killed and 3,500 wounded in Iran, and 24 fatalities in Israel.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned of “a rathole of retaliation” in the wake of US strikes, urging caution and diplomacy to prevent further escalation.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump cautioned Iran against retaliation, stating, “Any retaliation by Iran against the United States of America will be met with force far greater than what was witnessed tonight.
