Iran's Pezeshkian accuses US of causing a rift between Gulf nations; pushes for 'Muslim Brotherhood'

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian on Friday accused the United States of attempting to turn Gulf nations against Tehran as tensions in West Asia continue to escalate. In an interview with Iranian state television, the country’s president also accused Israel and the US of trying to exploit the country’s internal challenges in the face of a broader conflict.

His remarks on the matter came at a time when there has been discussion on the resumption of commercial shipping through the key Strait of Hormuz, which was the key sticking point in the conflict. “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.

Pezeshkian went on to take a conciliatory approach towards the neighbouring Gulf nations. “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,” the Iranian leader averred.

The Iranian leader also touched upon the strained ties between the United States and China, suggesting that a country must “mind its own business” 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.

‘Iran continues to fight’: Pezeshkian

Pezeshkian reiterated that Iran would continue to fight, while insisting that it is Israel that wants to continue the conflict. “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.

When asked about the rift between the government and the country’s armed forces, the Iranian president dismissed the reports of the friction and maintained that Tehran continues to remain “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.