Iran Accuses Israel of Provoking Full-Blown Middle East War

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian, attending the United Nations General Assembly, accused Israel of aiming to drag the Middle East into a total war by provoking Iran's involvement in the conflict with Hezbollah. He condemned international silence over Israel's actions in Gaza and stressed the desire for peaceful resolution through dialogue.

Israeli provocations aim to escalate the conflict and pull the Middle East into a full-scale war, warned Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Monday. He emphasized the irreversible consequences such actions could have.

Speaking after his arrival in New York for the United Nations General Assembly, Pezeshkian accused Israel of genocide in Gaza and criticized the international community's silence. He reiterated Iran's preference for peace and dialogue over war while condemning recent Israeli airstrikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Hezbollah's resistance and Iran's anti-Israel stance were underscored, with Pezeshkian noting that Iran would defend any group protecting its rights. He also hinted at a calibrated retaliation for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, laying the blame on Israel. Talks of a ceasefire remain deadlocked as tensions escalate.