‘US, Israel Trying To Turn Gulf Against Iran’: Pezeshkian’s Muslim Brotherhood Appeal As War Drags On

Pezeshkian Says US, Israel Seeking To Turn Gulf States Against Iran

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has accused the United States and Israel of attempting to turn Persian Gulf nations against Tehran, while claiming that the two allies are also exploiting Iran’s internal challenges amid the ongoing conflict.

Pezeshkian made the remarks in an interview with Iranian state television on Friday, as tensions surrounding the war and the resumption of commercial shipping through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz remain high.

“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.

Pezeshkian Makes Appeal To Gulf Nations

In what appeared to be an effort to emphasise unity with neighbouring Gulf countries, Pezeshkian stressed the idea of Muslim solidarity, saying differences between Shia and Sunni Muslims should not divide the region.

“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,” he said.

His comments come as Tehran seeks to manage relations with neighbouring Gulf states amid heightened regional tensions and the continuing conflict.

‘Why Don’t US, China Fight?’

Pezeshkian also referred to the rivalry between Washington and Beijing while arguing that countries should know when to confront their adversaries and when to focus on their own interests.

“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,” he said.

Pointing to the US-China relationship, Pezeshkian added, “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.”

Iran Defends Strait Of Hormuz Actions

The Iranian president also defended Tehran’s actions involving ships travelling through the Strait of Hormuz, saying military action had been taken against vessels that Iran believed 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,” Pezeshkian said.

He rejected accusations that Iran had violated its commitments, adding that Tehran would continue to stand by the memorandum it had signed.

‘We Will Not Back Down’

Pezeshkian insisted that Iran had not surrendered and said Tehran would continue fighting if its rights were threatened.

“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,” he said.

At the same time, Pezeshkian indicated that Iran would not seek to prolong the conflict unnecessarily.

“But when we can secure our rights, why should we continue the conflict? That is what Israel wants,” he added.

Pezeshkian Denies Rift With IRGC

Addressing reports of tensions between Iran’s civilian government and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Pezeshkian dismissed claims of a rift and insisted that the country’s leadership remains united.

“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.

Pezeshkian’s remarks underline Tehran’s efforts to project unity at home while simultaneously seeking to reassure neighbouring Gulf states as the conflict continues to put pressure on regional security and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.