Iran President Warns of ‘Irreversible’ Consequences of Broader Regional Conflict, According to Reuters

By Don Durfee and Parisa Hafezi

UNITED NATIONS – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned on Monday that Israel’s actions could escalate the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, potentially involving Iran in a broader war with Hezbollah in Lebanon. He described such a development as having "irreversible" consequences.

Speaking to journalists upon his arrival in New York for the United Nations General Assembly, Pezeshkian stated, "We do not wish to be the cause of instability in the Middle East, as its consequences would be irreversible." He emphasized Iran’s desire for peace, claiming, "It is Israel that seeks to create this all-out conflict."

Pezeshkian, a moderate politician who won election in July with a promise of pragmatic foreign policies, criticized the international community for its apparent inaction regarding what he termed "Israel’s genocide" in Gaza.

His remarks came after Israel conducted a series of intense airstrikes against Hezbollah, marking one of the deadliest days in Lebanon amid nearly a year of conflict. While discussing Iran’s potential involvement in the ongoing hostilities, Pezeshkian mentioned, "We will defend any group that is defending its rights and itself," but did not provide further details.

Both sides of the Israeli-Hezbollah border have seen tens of thousands displaced due to ongoing clashes. Israel has indicated a preference for a diplomatic resolution that would push Hezbollah away from the border. However, Hezbollah has asserted that an end to hostilities in Gaza is essential to halt the fighting, while ceasefire negotiations for Gaza remain stalled despite efforts from Qatar, Egypt, and the United States.

Iran’s regional strategy is dictated by the elite Revolutionary Guards, who operate under the authority of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Since assuming office, Pezeshkian has reiterated Iran’s anti-Israel stance and support for various resistance movements across the region.

When asked about potential retaliation for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh on Iranian soil in late July, Pezeshkian stated, "We will respond at the appropriate time and place, in an appropriate manner." This assassination has heightened fears of direct confrontations between Tehran and Israel amid the ongoing turmoil from the Gaza conflict and the escalating situation in Lebanon.

Both Iran’s elite Guards and Khamenei have promised significant revenge for Haniyeh’s killing, which Tehran and Hamas attribute to Israel. However, Tehran has refrained from direct retaliation thus far, and Israel has neither confirmed nor denied any involvement.

Reports from senior Iranian officials in August indicated that Tehran has been engaged in intensive discussions with Western nations, including the United States, to determine a measured response to Israel for Haniyeh’s assassination. Pezeshkian expressed frustration that a promised ceasefire agreement had not materialized, stating, "We were told that within a week there will be a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran-backed Hamas, but that week has never come, and instead Israel has kept expanding its attacks."