Tehran/Riyadh: As tensions continue to simmer across West Asia, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has declared that his country harbours no desire for a military confrontation or a protracted war with the United States. In a pointed statement, he said the decision on when to end the current standoff rests squarely with Washington.
The Iranian President noted that no meaningful understanding has yet been reached between the two countries on the terms for concluding the conflict, adding that military action ultimately benefits neither side.
Pezeshkian further accused the United States and its allies — including Israel and several European nations — of attempting to exploit Iran’s domestic economic difficulties to stoke unrest within the country. Despite mounting pressure, he insisted, Tehran will not capitulate to the superpower.
Responding to questions from reporters on whether the conflict might wind down by the end of the year, the President said the restoration of calm in the region would depend entirely on the choices Washington makes going forward.
Houthi Rebels Step Up Assault on Saudi Oil Infrastructure
In a parallel development, Yemen’s Houthi rebels have sharply escalated their attacks on Saudi Arabia, striking the strategically vital Ras Tanura refinery operated by state oil giant Aramco with a combination of drones and missiles. Houthi military sources claimed the assault caused substantial damage to property and resulted in casualties, describing the attacks as a deliberate bid to cripple the kingdom’s oil infrastructure.
Saudi Air Defences Intercept Six Ballistic Missiles
Saudi forces mobilised in full strength to counter the offensive, successfully intercepting and destroying six ballistic missiles mid-flight before they could reach the southern Taif province and the Red Sea port city of Yanbu.
In response to the sudden escalation, Saudi authorities issued an emergency Red Alert covering the holy city of Mecca and its surrounding areas. With the US-Iran standoff showing no signs of resolution and Houthi missile strikes intensifying by the day, a heightened sense of alarm has gripped the wider West Asian region.