Iran has issued a fresh warning to the United States and Israel as the escalating conflict in West Asia enters its ninth day. In a defiant address broadcast on state television, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared that Tehran will “respond forcefully to the American and Israeli attacks” and will never surrender to outside pressure. The statement comes as joint military operations by the United States and Israel continue to target Iranian facilities and military infrastructure. Pezeshkian strongly rejected calls from Washington demanding Iran’s “unconditional surrender,” saying such demands reflect a miscalculation of Iran’s resolve.

Iran says more than 1,200 people have been killed since the latest wave of US-Israel strikes began, according to Iranian state media. Officials claim thousands of civilian sites have been damaged across the country, including homes, commercial centers, hospitals, and cultural landmarks.