TEHRAN: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday held a telephone conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, warning that threats by the United States against Iran would only lead to instability in the region.
According to a statement issued by his office, Pezeshkian said that American threats and psychological pressure were aimed at undermining regional security and would produce no outcome other than instability. His remarks came after a US aircraft carrier reached the Middle East, significantly increasing American military presence.
During the call, the Iranian president emphasised that unity and cohesion among Islamic countries could guarantee lasting security, stability and peace in the region. He added that Iran always welcomed efforts, within the framework of international law, aimed at preventing war.
The phone call took place as the United States announced a major multi-day Air Force exercise in the Middle East. The announcement followed confirmation by the US military that the Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group had arrived in the region, sharply boosting US firepower.
The US Air Force component of Central Command said the exercise would demonstrate its ability to deploy, disperse and sustain combat airpower across the Middle East. However, no dates or specific locations were disclosed.
Meanwhile, protests in Iran, which began in late December over economic grievances, have continued intermittently. Large demonstrations were reported from January 8 onwards. President Donald Trump had repeatedly warned Tehran that the US would intervene militarily if protesters were killed and had encouraged Iranians to take over state institutions. Earlier this month, however, he said Washington refrained from military action after Iran allegedly halted executions under US pressure.
Separately, Iran warned of “destructive consequences” if the European Union designates the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation. The warning followed remarks by Italy’s foreign minister Antonio Tajani, who said he would propose the designation at an upcoming meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels.
Iran’s foreign ministry summoned Italy’s ambassador to Tehran, Paolo Amadei, and condemned the remarks as irresponsible. According to the state-run IRNA news agency, Tehran urged Rome to reconsider what it described as a misguided stance on Iran.
