Tehran: President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Iran does not seek war but will respond decisively to any act of aggression against its territory. He emphasized that instability in the region harms all countries, as he departed Tehran for Kyrgyzstan to attend the annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Pezeshkian declared early Monday, as he headed to Bishkek for the SCO Summit 2026, that Iran's message to the world is clear. While not seeking conflict, Iran will not remain passive in the face of aggression, promising a decisive response to any aggressors. He highlighted that instability in West Asia is detrimental to all and called for collaborative efforts to ensure regional security, economic prosperity, and development.

At the SCO Summit, Pezeshkian underscored the importance of the gathering, which unites heads of state from multiple countries amidst efforts by some international institutions to promote unilateralism. The president described the meeting as a representation of diverse and independent voices on the global stage, countering the push for a single-voice environment.

Pezeshkian expressed optimism that the SCO summit and related bilateral meetings would enhance security and improve political and economic conditions in the region, benefiting all participating countries.

Meanwhile, on Sunday, the Iranian Armed Forces conducted missile attacks on two US military bases in Jordan. This action was in response to US strikes on Larak Island earlier. The Iranian Foreign Ministry stated that the US strikes resulted in the deaths of several civilians and Armed Forces members, asserting that Iran's response was in line with its right to self-defense.