Iran’s streets full of defenders against US attacks, says president

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has issued a defiant response to ongoing US military actions, celebrating what he described as the unwavering spirit of the Iranian people in defending their nation. In a post on the social media platform X, the president rejected claims made by Washington while highlighting the resilience of ordinary citizens amid escalating hostilities.

The Iranian leader emphasized that the country’s streets have remained vibrant with citizens standing firm in defense of their humanity, rights, and territorial integrity. “Amid the powerful defense of our fighters, our people have created an extraordinary scene and the streets have never been empty,” Pezeshkian wrote. His remarks appeared to directly counter assertions from the US president, who had previously suggested that Iran was using artificial intelligence as a tool for disinformation.

Pezeshkian extended an invitation to American journalists to visit Iran and witness the situation firsthand. “Let their journalists come and see how people defend their humanity, rights, nation, and territorial integrity,” he said, framing the Iranian public’s response as a living testament to the country’s resolve that no foreign narrative could diminish.

The current escalation traces back to US-Israeli strikes on Iran that began on Feb. 28, prompting Tehran to launch retaliatory drone and missile operations targeting Israel as well as Gulf states hosting American military assets. The exchange has significantly raised tensions across the region, with Iran positioning its civilian population’s steadfastness as a central element of its national defense strategy.