By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said that his country does not want to “expand the circle of war” with Israel but it will respond “in proportion” to any attack.
Pezeshkian made the remarks during a phone call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday, according to Iran’s state-run news agency.
The Israeli “aggression” had killed civilians, scientists and military leaders in Iran, Pezeshkian said. “Iran did not start this war, but it will respond in proportion to the level of the attack.”
He also said Iran’s participation in nuclear talks with the United States “depends only on the cessation of the Zionist regime’s attacks on regional countries.”
Erdogan told Pezeshkian that Turkey is ready “to play a facilitating role to help de-escalate the conflict and support a return to nuclear negotiations,” according to Turkey’s state-run news agency.
The Turkish leader noted that he has been in contact with various leaders amid the ongoing conflict.
Erdogan also emphasized the importance Ankara places on preserving peace and stability in the region.
Regional tension has escalated since Friday after Israel launched coordinated airstrikes on multiple sites across Iran, including military and nuclear facilities, prompting Tehran to launch retaliatory strikes.
Israeli authorities said that at least 24 people were killed and hundreds injured in Iranian missile attacks since Friday.
Iran, for its part, said that at least 224 people were killed and over 1,000 others wounded in the Israeli assault.
Meanwhile the Israeli military confirmed it attacked the studio of Iran’s state television channel, IRINN, on Monday.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said its air force “conducted a precise strike based on intelligence provided by the Intelligence Directorate, targeting a communication center that was being used for military purposes by the Iranian Armed Forces.”
“The building was used by the Iranian Armed Forces under the guise of civilian activity, covering up the military use of the center’s infrastructure and assets. The strike directly harmed the military capabilities of the Iranian Armed Forces,” the IDF added.