Irans president will not block Israel-Hamas cease-fire amid heavy losses to proxies

In a rare interview aired Tuesday with an American television news network, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian denied that his country had sought to assassinate President-elect Donald Trump and said it would not try to block a cease-fire in Gaza.“We do whatever we can in order for peace to prevail in the region.We will spare no effort in order for the prisoners to be released,” Pezeshkian told NBC when asked about the ongoing negotiations between Israel and Hamas.Pezeshkian did not specify whether by “prisoners” he meant Palestinian security prisoners held by Israel, the Israeli hostages held by Hamas, or both.Pezeshkian, who was inaugurated in July following the death of his predecessor in a helicopter crash, used moderate language and issued no explicit threats in the interview, which he gave in Persian.Asked about the prospect of an Israeli attack against Iran’s nuclear facilities, Pezeshkian said: “You see, naturally enough, we will react to any action.

We do not fear war, but we do not seek it.” He added: “I certainly hope that it will not transpire because it will be to the detriment of all the actors, not only and merely us.” Morning Report and Evening Update: Your source for today's top stories Please provide a valid email address.By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Never miss a story.He blamed the United States for the collapse of an agreement reached under former President Barack Obama that offered Iran sanctions relief in exchange for its agreement to dial back its nuclear program.

Trump pulled out of the deal in his first term in office, citing noncompliance by Iran.“We upheld all the commitments that we had to commit to,” Pezeshkian said.“But unfortunately it was the other party that did not live up to its promises and obligations.”Responding to allegations by Trump’s campaign team that Iran was responsible for at...