TEHRAN (Tasnim): Iran will respond forcefully to any aggression against its territory, with a reaction that could exceed its adversaries’ expectations, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned on Sunday, as tensions between Tehran and Washington continue.
Addressing a parliamentary session, Qalibaf said Iran would not be intimidated by military threats or political pressure. He stressed that the country would defend its territorial integrity and national sovereignty against any attack.
The speaker also questioned the credibility of US claims, saying Washington must change its approach, abandon what he described as bullying and greed, and take practical steps to make amends for commitments it had violated. Until then, he said, American promises would carry little weight with the Islamic Republic.
Qalibaf argued that the United States had brought itself into a difficult position through miscalculations and its war against Iran. He said Washington, rather than Tehran, must now take the necessary steps to escape the crisis.
He also accused the United States of supporting Israeli actions in the region while using sanctions, assassinations, and military and economic pressure to weaken Iran. Referring to what he called a long-standing pattern of domination, Qalibaf said Tehran would not accept foreign interference in its national affairs.
Iran, he added, was no longer the country it had been under the Pahlavi monarchy, when foreign powers held considerable influence. Instead, he portrayed the Islamic Republic as an independent regional power determined to protect its future and resist outside control.
Qalibaf further said Iran was working to end the US military and political presence in West Asia. He dismissed the idea that media pressure or military threats could force the Iranian people into submission.
Describing Iran as a stronghold of confidence, defensive power and determination, he said no foreign country would be allowed to dictate the terms of its dignity or sovereignty.
