By Staff Reporter
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian says Tehran remains open to diplomacy but will never surrender under pressure from the United States, warning that attempts to force Iran into submission are “nothing but an illusion.”
The remarks come amid rising tensions across the Middle East following ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States.
At the same time, international criticism has intensified after Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir posted a controversial video appearing to mock detained Gaza aid flotilla activists while they were allegedly being mistreated by prison guards.
Iran has also announced tighter control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, declaring a new “supervision area” where all vessels must now obtain permission to pass. Tehran warned that unauthorised transit through the vital global shipping route would be considered illegal.
Meanwhile, violence continues to spread beyond Gaza, with Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon reportedly killing more than 20 people despite an existing ceasefire arrangement.
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, the ongoing war in Gaza Strip has killed at least 72,773 people and injured more than 172,723 since October 2023, deepening fears of a wider regional conflict.
