JUST IN: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian Accuses U.S. and Israel of Being “the Real Terrorists” While Defending Iran’s Position on Human Rights

Reflecto News – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian delivered sharp criticism of the United States and Israel, stating: “They call us terrorists, but they are the real terrorists. They slaughter anyone, anywhere, whenever they want, and then they speak about human rights. Shame on them.”

The remarks, made amid ongoing regional tensions and the fragile U.S.-Iran ceasefire, reflect Tehran’s longstanding narrative that Western powers and Israel engage in hypocrisy on issues of terrorism and human rights while accusing Iran and its allies of the same.

Context of Pezeshkian’s Statement

Pezeshkian’s comments come as:

• U.S. and Iranian negotiators, aided by mediators from Pakistan, Egypt, and Türkiye, continue backchannel efforts to narrow gaps before the April 21, 2026 ceasefire deadline.
• The U.S. maintains naval enforcement actions in the Strait of Hormuz and around Iranian ports as leverage.
• Broader accusations continue over civilian casualties, proxy conflicts, and alleged violations in Gaza, Lebanon, and other areas.

Iranian leaders frequently invert terrorism accusations, pointing to Israeli military operations and U.S. sanctions or interventions as the true sources of violence and instability in the region. Pezeshkian has used similar language in past addresses to domestic and international audiences, framing Iran as a victim of aggression while rejecting labels applied to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) or allied groups like Hezbollah and Hamas.

Reactions and Broader Implications

• Israeli and U.S. Perspective: Officials in Jerusalem and Washington typically reject such statements as propaganda designed to deflect from Iran’s support for designated terrorist organizations, its nuclear program, and human rights record inside Iran. Israel points to documented attacks by Iranian-backed proxies, while the U.S. highlights Tehran’s suppression of domestic protests and regional destabilization.
• Regional Dynamics: The rhetoric risks complicating ongoing diplomatic efforts, including Pakistan’s mediation (with Army Chief Asim Munir recently visiting Tehran) and attempts to extend the ceasefire.
• Human Rights Dimension: Pezeshkian’s invocation of “human rights” hypocrisy comes against a backdrop of international criticism of Iran’s treatment of protesters, women’s rights activists, and minorities, as well as accusations against Israel regarding civilian casualties in conflicts.

No immediate official response from the U.S. or Israel to this specific quote has been reported, but similar past statements have drawn strong condemnations labeling them as deflection and incitement.

Analysis

Pezeshkian’s strong language fits a consistent pattern in Iranian state rhetoric, especially during periods of heightened tension with the West and Israel. While it resonates domestically and with regional allies, it also underscores the deep mistrust that continues to hinder comprehensive diplomatic breakthroughs.

As mediators push for progress before the ceasefire deadline, such public exchanges highlight the challenge of separating inflammatory rhetoric from substantive negotiations on nuclear issues, maritime security, and regional de-escalation.

This remains a developing story intertwined with the broader U.S.-Iran diplomatic track.

FAQs

Q1: What exactly did President Pezeshkian say?
He stated that those who label Iran as terrorists are “the real terrorists” because they “slaughter anyone, anywhere, whenever they want” while claiming to uphold human rights, adding “Shame on them.”

Q2: Who was Pezeshkian referring to?
The comments were directed primarily at the United States and Israel, consistent with Iranian officials’ frequent framing of these countries as aggressors.

Q3: In what context were the remarks made?
The statement was delivered amid ongoing U.S.-Iran ceasefire negotiations, U.S. naval operations near the Strait of Hormuz, and broader accusations over regional conflicts and human rights.

Q4: How do U.S. and Israeli officials typically respond to such claims?
They reject the accusations as baseless propaganda, pointing instead to Iran’s support for proxy militias designated as terrorist organizations and its domestic human rights record.

Q5: Does this affect current diplomatic efforts?
Such rhetoric can increase mistrust and complicate mediation by Pakistan, Egypt, and Türkiye, though backchannel talks continue ahead of the April 21 ceasefire deadline.

Q6: Has Pezeshkian made similar statements before?
Yes. Iranian presidents, including Pezeshkian, have repeatedly used this framing during periods of tension with the West and Israel.

Q7: Where can I follow balanced updates?
Stay with Reflecto News for verified coverage of U.S.-Iran diplomacy, Iranian statements, and regional developments from multiple credible sources.

This is a developing story. Reflecto News will monitor any official responses from Washington, Jerusalem, or Tehran, as well as progress in mediated talks.

Reflecto News delivers accurate, timely reporting on Middle East affairs, U.S.-Iran relations, and international diplomacy. For more on the fragile ceasefire, mediation efforts, and regional rhetoric, explore our dedicated sections. Share your respectful comments below.