Iran says it seeks peace while defending its rights and security

Iran's Defense Ministry says Tehran is seeking peace while continuing to defend its rights, security and national interests, according to a statement from the ministry's spokesperson carried by Mehr News Agency.

The spokesperson said that recognition of Iran's legitimate rights by other parties would help pave the way toward ending the current conflict, without specifying which particular conflict or negotiating track the remarks referred to.

The statement frames Iran's position as one of seeking a peaceful resolution to regional tensions, while emphasizing that Tehran will not compromise on what it considers its core security interests. Iranian officials have repeatedly made similar statements in recent months amid ongoing regional tensions involving Iran and several of its neighbors and adversaries.

Mehr News did not report further details from the spokesperson's remarks, including whether they were made in a press briefing, an interview, or another public setting. The agency is affiliated with Iran's state-linked media apparatus and frequently carries official statements from government and military bodies.

The remarks come amid a period of heightened attention to Iran's regional posture, including its military and diplomatic activities, as international observers continue to monitor developments in the broader Middle East.