Iranian President Pezeshkian says to leaders of "friendly and neighbouring countries" that Iran respects sovereignty and still believe that the region's peace must be ensured by the countries of the region

"Dear esteemed leaders of our friendly and neighboring countries, we have strived, with your assistance and through diplomacy, to avoid war. However, the American-Zionist military attack has left us with no choice but to defend ourselves. We respect your sovereignty and still believe that the region's peace must be ensured by the countries of the region."