‘Bombs Cannot Force Surrender’: Iran’s Pezeshkian Urges Unity Amid US Strike Threats
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has urged citizens to stand together amid reports that the United States is considering fresh strikes against the country, warning that internal divisions could accomplish what military force cannot.
“You cannot force a society to surrender with bombs and missiles, but if we are divided and divided from within, the enemy will achieve his goal,” Pezeshkian said in a speech, according to Iran’s IRNA news agency.
His appeal for national cohesion comes as Washington reportedly examines additional military options targeting Iranian energy infrastructure and nuclear facilities. Any fresh strikes would depend on US President Donald Trump deciding to resume combat operations against Tehran.
WASHINGTON WEIGHS FRESH OPTIONS
CNN, citing multiple US officials familiar with military planning discussions, reported that the options include the possible use of the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast, or MOAB, widely known as the “mother of all bombs”.
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Among the potential targets is a suspected nuclear site at Pickaxe Mountain. However, sources cited in the report questioned whether the MOAB would be effective against facilities believed to be protected by thick layers of granite.
The weapon, which weighs approximately 21,600 pounds, is designed to produce a powerful blast across a large area rather than penetrate deeply buried structures.
Trump has repeatedly said his objective is to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
RETALIATION AND POLITICAL PRESSURE
US officials are also reportedly preparing for possible Iranian retaliation should Trump authorise further attacks.
The military discussions come as the administration faces pressure to end the conflict ahead of November’s midterm elections, with no clear indication of a negotiated settlement between Washington and Tehran.
Trump has expressed reluctance to send American ground troops into Iran. Administration advisers have reportedly discussed options that could deliver a symbolic military victory and create an opening for Washington to withdraw from the conflict.
For Pezeshkian, the immediate message was directed at Iranians: national unity would be essential to confronting the threats facing the country.
With inputs from ANI