Iran's Pezeshkian proposes joint security framework with neighbors at Islamic summit

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called on neighboring countries to cooperate on joint security arrangements in remarks at an Islamic unity conference, saying no Muslim land should serve as a launchpad for attacks against another Muslim country. Drawing on what he described as wartime experience, Pezeshkian said Iran had not initiated the conflict and had defended itself strongly. He accused the United States and Israel of opening a war against Iran while talks were underway, adding that Iran's response did not constitute hostility toward Muslim peoples or neighbors. The president said the war had cost the country its leaders, commanders, officials, scientists, students and civilians, with cities and infrastructure targeted. Pezeshkian stressed that Iran was not in a weak position and knew how to defend itself, while reiterating that no Islamic country should pursue its own security at the expense of its neighbors' stability. The speech frames Tehran's security posture as defensive while urging regional coordination, a message that comes amid ongoing regional tensions and indirect US-Iran talks. No further details of the proposed security framework were immediately available.