President Masoud Pezeshkian says Iran has no problem with its Muslim neighbors, but it is America that wants the friendly and brotherly countries to become enemies.

During a meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in India on Saturday, Pezeshkian maintained that “the arson in the region is due to the hegemonic approach of America and Europe and the crimes committed by Israel,” adding that they do not want independent countries to exist in the region.

Pezeshkian underlined the importance of stronger ties with neighboring and Muslim countries, saying Tehran would continue expanding such relations in a logical and solid manner.

Recalling the recent US-Israeli war of aggression against Iran, he said, “They attacked our country without any reason; they martyred our Leader, children, commanders and scientists.”

He also pointed to attacks launched from neighboring countries, noting that Iran had “no choice but to defend the country” and strike military bases used in the attacks.

Pezeshkian reaffirmed Tehran’s commitment to peace, declaring, “We are not seeking war or the continuation of war.”

He also rejected any foreign role in regional security, saying, “We do not need a gendarme in the region,” and that the territorial integrity and security of the region can only be ensured by its own countries.

Anwar, for his part, strongly condemned the US and Israeli attacks on Iran and reaffirmed Malaysia’s support for Tehran’s sovereignty.

“Malaysia firmly made its position clear from the first day, and our parliament strongly condemned the aggression against Iran,” the Malaysian premier noted.

“Iran’s territorial integrity and sovereignty are highly respected by us,” Anwar added, reaffirming Kuala Lumpur’s position on Iran.

Praising the Iranian people’s resistance, the Malaysian leader remarked, “The resistance of the Iranian government and people is commendable,” adding that many other countries might have been defeated within days but Iran had continued to stand firm.

Anwar also welcomed closer bilateral relations, saying, “We believe in strengthening our relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran,” particularly in trade, economic and educational fields.

US presence in region source of bloodshed, not peace: Pezeshkian

President Pezeshkian also separately met with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali.

“The presence of America in the region has not been a source of salvation but a factor in bloodshed,” he said during the meeting.

The president called for greater economic and financial cooperation among BRICS members, saying stronger ties could contribute to the development of member states.

He also pointed to more than 70 years of brotherly relations between Iran and Ethiopia.

Abiy, for his part, offered his condolences over the martyrdom of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, and praised the Iranian people’s response to the recent aggression.

“The resistance, resilience and patriotism of you Iranians are great achievements that we, the people of Ethiopia, want to learn from,” the Ethiopian prime minister remarked.

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