Daijiworld Media Network - Tehran
Tehran, Nov 11: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has accused the United States and Israel of causing widespread destruction in the region, claiming that both countries are facing political consequences over their military actions.
Pezeshkian made the remarks before leaving Tehran for Turkiye on Wednesday to attend the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31). According to Iran's semi-official Mehr News Agency, he said the conference would provide an opportunity to discuss regional developments and the environmental damage caused by military attacks.
The Iranian president said 196 countries were participating in the summit, with 71 delegations led by presidents or prime ministers. He indicated that he would raise concerns over the ecological damage caused by US and Israeli attacks on Tehran and neighbouring territories.
Pezeshkian also said he had scheduled bilateral meetings with representatives of more than 10 countries, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Describing relations between Iran and Turkiye as positive, he highlighted their common economic, social, cultural and regional interests.
He added that discussions would also focus on what he described as crimes committed by the United States and Israel across the region. Expressing confidence in the diplomatic visit, he said he hoped to convey the concerns of the Iranian people and achieve positive outcomes.
Meanwhile, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has reportedly moved from his residence to a military base following threats to his safety allegedly linked to Iran, The New York Times reported on Tuesday, citing people familiar with the matter.
The exact nature and seriousness of the alleged threats remain unclear. The reported relocation comes amid growing security concerns within the US administration over possible Iranian plots targeting American officials and citizens.
According to the report, US officials believe Iran's ability to organise large-scale attacks within the United States or abroad remains limited. Tehran has repeatedly denied allegations that it is planning attacks against American individuals on US soil.
Bessent has been a key figure in Washington's economic pressure campaign against Iran, with the Treasury Department imposing financial restrictions and sanctions targeting Iranian oil revenues, financial networks and trade operations.
The measures have focused on individuals, companies, shipping networks and entities involved in Iran's oil trade. The economic campaign has continued alongside military operations by American and Israeli forces against Iranian strategic locations and military installations.
The conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths and displaced millions across the region. Several senior Iranian figures, including former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, have also been killed, while Israeli military operations in Lebanon have added to the regional tensions.
With hostilities continuing, concerns over possible retaliatory action against American officials remain a major security issue for Washington.