Senior Iranian officials on Monday called for greater unity among Islamic countries in confronting the U.S. and Israel, reiterating Tehran's readiness for prolonged confrontation.
Iran's security chief Ali Larijani issued an open letter to Islamic countries, urging them to support Iran in its fight against the U.S. and Israel since the two launched military strikes on Tehran on Feb 28.
According to Iranian media reports, Larijani, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, called on relevant countries to reassess the regional situation and their own positions, stressing that Islamic nations should strengthen unity to jointly safeguard regional security and independence.
Meanwhile, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said in a media interview on the same day that Iran is prepared for a long-term war with the U.S. and Israel.
He said Iran possesses sufficient reserves of missiles and drones and has independent production capabilities, with a production pace far exceeding that of the enemy's interceptor missiles at significantly lower costs.
Ghalibaf added that Iran would not accept a ceasefire until the enemy shows genuine regret and appropriate political and security conditions are established globally and regionally.
A ceasefire, he noted, would only be reasonable if it ensures no more hostilities.
At the same time, an Axios report said Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi had recently sent a message to U.S. presidential envoy Steve Witkoff.
Araghchi denied the report in a social media post on Monday, saying his last contact with Witkoff came before the envoy's employer decided once again to stifle diplomatic efforts through illegal military strikes.
Claims to the contrary were intended to mislead oil traders as well as the public,he noted.
Also on Monday, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said Tehran is currently focused on defending its sovereignty and not considering negotiations.
He warned the U.S. against deploying ground troops on Iranian territory, saying such a move would drag Washington into a "quagmire."
Iran urges unity among Islamic countries amid tensions with U.S., Israel
