Unity needed as US, Europe, & Zionists seek to break Iran: Pezeshkian

By Al Mayadeen English
Feb 18, 2026

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian says the US, Europe, and Zionists seek to weaken Iran, as Tehran holds indirect talks with Washington in Muscat and Geneva.

The United States, Europe, and “criminal Zionists” do not want Iran to stand on its own feet, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Wednesday, stressing that national unity is essential to overcoming challenges facing the country.

“The United States, Europe, and criminal Zionists do not want us to stand on our own feet, and we want to unite to solve the people’s problems,” Pezeshkian said.

He emphasized that Iran would remain steadfast, adding, “I believe that if we unite, no power can prevent us from moving forward, and we will thwart their plans through our unity.”

Tensions persist as talks proceed

Pezeshkian’s comments come against the backdrop of the two rounds of indirect talks between Iran and the United States held in Muscat and Geneva.

While diplomatic efforts for de-escalation continue, US President Donald Trump has simultaneously threatened Iran with military force. Iran, which has repeatedly expressed its preference for a diplomatic settlement, has reiterated that it will respond decisively to any hostility.

Yesterday, Sayyed Ali Khamenei responded directly to Trump’s threats of a military armada dispatched to Iran, saying such moves would not intimidate Tehran.

“The warships are certainly dangerous,” he said, “but what is more dangerous than the warship is the weapon that can sink it to the bottom of the sea.”

“The President of the United States, in one of his recent remarks, said that for 47 years America has not been able to eliminate the Islamic Republic; he complained to his own people. For 47 years, America has not been able to eliminate the Islamic Republic. This is a good admission. I say: you will not be able to do this either,” he stressed.
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