Iran Says Mediation Efforts Underway as US-Israel Conflict Intensifies
Tehran, March 6 — Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Friday that several countries have initiated mediation efforts to help resolve the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, according to IANS reports.
In a statement posted on X, Pezeshkian said that Iran remains committed to peace but will defend its sovereignty following the escalation that led to the assassination of the country’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei last week.
“Some countries have begun mediation efforts. Let’s be clear: we are committed to lasting peace in the region yet we have no hesitation in defending our nation’s dignity and sovereignty,” the Iranian President said.
Iran Launches New Missile Attacks
The statement came as reports suggested Iran launched a new wave of attacks against Israel using ballistic missiles, including the Khorramshahr-4, one of the country’s latest heavy missile systems.
Iran’s semi-official Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said the “22nd wave of Operation True Promise 4” had begun, firing multiple Khorramshahr-4 missiles toward Israeli targets.
According to Iran’s Tasnim News Agency, the missiles were aimed “directly into the heart of the occupied territories.”
Airstrikes Reported in Lebanon
Meanwhile, the conflict spread further across the region as an Israeli airstrike reportedly hit a residential building in Sidon, southern Lebanon, on Friday.
Lebanon’s National News Agency reported that the strike targeted the Maqassed building near Al-Siddiq Mosque. Ambulances were dispatched to the area, although officials said the extent of casualties was not immediately known.
US Expands ‘Operation Epic Fury’
The United States signalled that its military campaign against Iran is set to intensify under Operation Epic Fury.
Speaking at United States Central Command headquarters in Tampa, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the operation had already inflicted severe damage on Iran’s military infrastructure.
He praised CENTCOM commander Brad Cooper and thousands of American troops involved in the mission.
US officials said airstrikes had targeted nearly 200 sites inside Iran, including areas near Tehran, using advanced bomber aircraft such as the B‑2 Spirit stealth bomber.
According to Cooper, the strikes have significantly reduced Iranian offensive capabilities, with ballistic missile attacks dropping by about 90 percent and drone attacks by 83 percent since the operation began.
The campaign has also expanded to target Iran’s missile production infrastructure and naval capabilities.
Our Final Thoughts
The latest developments highlight the widening scope of the Middle East conflict, with missile exchanges, airstrikes, and military operations spreading across multiple countries. While Iran has indicated openness to mediation, the continued escalation by all sides suggests that diplomatic efforts will face significant challenges in preventing a broader regional war.