“Diplomacy and defence are the two wings of national power; we have neither left the battlefield nor the negotiating table,” Pezeshkian wrote on X, adding that Iran “will not retreat in the face of any threat.”

The Iranian president said the country’s foremost priority was national security and the protection of its people, expressing confidence that Iran would overcome current challenges through unity and wisdom.

The statement came after the most serious exchange of fire between Iran and Israel since the April ceasefire. Tensions escalated after Israel struck the southern suburbs of Beirut, killing at least two people and wounding 20.

Iran responded with multiple missile strikes on Israeli-held territories overnight into Monday, accusing Israel of violating ceasefire agreements.

Iranian officials said diplomacy and defence strategy were advancing simultaneously to safeguard the Islamic Republic’s national interests and dignity.

Iran later announced a halt to its first wave of strikes, though it warned of a far stronger response if Israeli aggression continued, particularly in Lebanon.