Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said "Israel" and the United States "would not dare" commit any crimes in the region had the Muslim nation been united, in a statement condemning the 10-month-long genocide in Gaza. 

Pezeshkian made the comments during a ceremony on Saturday at Imam Khomeini’s shrine in southern Tehran, where he reaffirmed his cabinet's commitment to the principles of the late founder of the Islamic Republic at the start of Administration Week.

Addressing the atrocities committed by "Israel" in Gaza, the Iranian president questioned whether the occupation, the US, Europe, or any other power would have dared to act in this manner had Muslims been united. 

"Would Israel have dared to do a damn thing in this region if Muslims had been united? Not only them, but the US, Europe, and any other power, could they do any of these things?"

On sanctions and Iranian unity

Addressing the various economic challenges in Iran primarily caused by Western sanctions, Pezeshkian said the country has no other choice than to lead with internal unity and cohesion.

He expressed appreciation for the Iranian Parliament’s approval of his proposed ministerial cabinet, lauding it as a significant message and a starting point to advance with comprehensive unity.

"Just like the beginning of the [Islamic] Revolution, with the unity and cohesion of the people, despite the fact that the whole world had joined hands to eradicate the revolution but could not destroy it…We can and must solve all problems by standing together," he said.

The president further emphasized that the Israeli occupation is attempting to divide Iranian society, with all efforts aimed at disrupting its unity, but assured that "Today at the shrine of Imam Khomeini, we make a pact that we will continue this path with all our strength and we will try to continue the path as far as we can."

Iran aims to ease US tensions, revive EU relations if sanctions lifted

Newly-appointed Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced Iran's willingness to ease tensions with the US and revive relations with European countries if they halt their "hostile approach" to the Islamic Republic.

The diplomat explained in an interview with Japan's Kyodo News, published on Thursday, that the important step to normalizing trade relations with the international community and boosting Iran's economy is through managing tensions with Washington and rekindling ties with European countries, provided they comply with Tehran's conditions of lifting sanctions and restoring the 2015 multilateral nuclear agreement.

"In my foreign policy address to the Islamic Consultative Assembly, I highlighted the crucial objective of lifting sanctions, particularly unilateral ones, through earnest, focused, and time-bound negotiations while upholding the nation's fundamental principles," Araghchi said, referring to his recent speech to parliament, where he presented his main objectives.