The Iran‑Israel war erupted on 28 February 2026 after Washington‑based and Tel Aviv‑led forces struck Iranian targets, prompting retaliatory airstrikes that have already killed 1,200 civilians and displaced 500,000 people.
President Donald Trump warned on Tuesday that he could "annihilate" Iran if a ceasefire failed, while simultaneously hinting that a deal might materialize within months, a paradox that has left diplomats scrambling.
During a UN General Assembly session on Wednesday, Pezeshkian reiterated Tehran's refusal to accept U.S. pressure, insisting that Iran reserves the right to develop nuclear technology for peaceful purposes under the Non‑Proliferation Treaty.
The U.S. administration's mixed signals have prompted a flurry of diplomatic activity, with the State Department scheduling a high‑level meeting with Israeli officials next week, while the Iranian Foreign Ministry has called for an emergency session of the International Court of Justice.
Meanwhile, families in southern Gaza recount the loss of homes and loved ones as rockets continue to rain down, illustrating the human cost of a conflict that threatens to spiral into a wider regional war.