Pezeshkian says regional countries can ensure security without U.S. involvement

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said neighboring countries were capable of providing regional security through cooperation and did not need the United States to intervene from outside the region.

“We are brothers with all the countries around us, and we are all Muslims. Therefore, we can help one another and ensure the security of our region,” Pezeshkian said Thursday at an event marking Iran’s National Ranger Day.

“Regional countries do not need the U.S. to come from the other side of the world under the pretext of providing security,” he added.

Pezeshkian also criticized U.S. military spending and accused Washington of committing violations while presenting its regional presence as necessary for security.

His remarks come as tensions between Tehran and Washington remain high following the conflict that began on Feb. 28, when the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran and Tehran responded with attacks on Israel and what it described as U.S. positions in Arab countries.

The U.S. and Iran signed a framework agreement on June 18 and later entered negotiations, but the talks subsequently broke down over disagreements including freedom and security of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.