New Delhi: The Iranian president, Masoud Pezeshkian, said on Thursday that bombs and missiles cannot force Iran to surrender, warning that internal divisions could help its enemies achieve their goals. His remarks came as he accused the United States of trying to exploit Iran’s economic problems and disrupt supply routes to create public discontent.
“If we become divided internally, the enemy will achieve its goal,” Pezeshkian said during a ceremony marking National Nurses Day in Tehran, according to Iran’s Press TV.
In a separate address to East Azarbaijan province’s planning and development council, reported by Iran’s IRNA news agency, Pezeshkian said Iran would work with producers, exporters and businesses to meet its needs despite external pressure. He also praised the armed forces for defending the country and called on officials to work together to address local problems.
US considers new military options
Pezeshkian’s remarks come as the United States weighs further military action against Iran. RNA Media reported on Thursday that US military are considering the possible use of the 21,600-pound GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast bomb, known as the “mother of all bombs”, against Iranian energy infrastructure and the suspected underground nuclear facility at Pickaxe Mountain.
The discussions do not mean that the United States president, Donald Trump, has authorized a strike. The bomb produces a powerful blast over a wide area but is not designed to penetrate deeply buried facilities, raising questions about its effectiveness against heavily protected underground targets.
The United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran on February 28, triggering a conflict that has since involved military retaliation and ceasefire efforts. Although a ceasefire was announced in April, Washington and Tehran have yet to reach a lasting settlement.
The conflict has become a political challenge for Trump ahead of the November 3 US midterm elections, as opposition to the war among American voters adds pressure on his administration to find an exit. CNN reported that US officials have discussed further strikes as Trump seeks to present the conflict as a success, although it remains unclear whether he will consider renewed attacks.
The reported military options come despite Trump indicating that he does not intend to launch fresh strikes before the elections. According to reports some advisers remain uncertain about whether that position is final, while the Pentagon continues to prepare for different operational scenarios.