Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared that his country "won't surrender" to the United States and Israel, striking a defiant tone amid escalating regional conflicts that threaten global energy supplies and maritime trade.
"Iran has successfully stood against Israel and the US," Pezeshkian stated Friday while addressing a gathering of religious leaders in New Delhi. "Since we are seeking truth and justice, we will not yield in front of bullying arrogance."
Pezeshkian also accused the U.S. of targeting civilians, questioning the rationale behind attacks on civilian infrastructure and essential supplies. "If Americans are warriors, let them face our valiant military forces," he wrote on X. "Why wage war on civilian infrastructure, food supplies, and livelihoods? If they’re human, why deny people access to water, food, and medicine? Our people can’t be bullied into submission. Iran won’t surrender."
His remarks came ahead of the weekend BRICS Summit and days after President Trump defended Washington's military campaign against Tehran. Trump stated Thursday that Iran posed a threat to Israel, the Middle East, and U.S. cities, adding, "If I had it to do again, I would do exactly what I did."
The Iranian leader's assertions coincided with a diplomatic push concerning the ongoing conflict. Iran and the United Arab Emirates jointly backed a BRICS declaration expressing "deep concern" over the Middle East escalation and urging restraint.
On the sidelines of the summit, Pezeshkian met with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as regional governments sought to prevent the conflict from spreading. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who met with Pezeshkian on Friday, emphasized the importance of protecting seafarers, maintaining freedom of navigation, and safeguarding maritime commerce. Modi also reiterated India's call for resolving the conflict through "dialogue and diplomacy."
The diplomatic efforts include upcoming talks in Oman on Monday concerning the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for oil shipping that has experienced significant disruptions during the conflict. However, a senior Iranian official told Reuters on Saturday that the Oman meeting was not expected to yield a signed agreement. Iran is reportedly seeking a larger role in managing passage through the strait, potentially including fee collection from vessels.
The tensions have had tangible economic impacts, including a temporary shutdown of Saudi Arabia's critical East-West oil pipeline following a drone attack. While Saudi officials indicated the drones originated from Iraqi territory, they stopped short of publicly blaming Iran. President Trump suggested Iran was "probably" responsible for the attack. Saudi Arabia announced it would not retaliate immediately, providing Baghdad an opportunity to prevent further such incidents originating from its territory.
Global oil prices have seen an increase amid these developments. Brent crude settled at $104.61 a barrel on Friday, and U.S. benchmark West Texas Intermediate closed at $100.05, marking increases of approximately 18% and 21%, respectively, since August 14.