Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has rejected calls for a ceasefire as the conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel enters its tenth day, vowing that Iran will continue its response until what he described as “decisive punishment” is delivered.

The hostilities began on February 28, when a large scale wave of approximately 900 airstrikes carried out by forces from the United States and Israel targeted Iranian missile facilities, air defense systems, and key leadership positions across the country. According to reports circulating during the conflict, the strikes also resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, though the broader implications of the leadership crisis continue to unfold.

In response to the attacks, Iran launched waves of missiles and drones aimed at Israeli cities as well as U.S. military bases across the region, including locations in the Gulf. The retaliatory strikes have significantly raised tensions across the Middle East and sparked fears of a wider regional war.

Speaking during parliamentary proceedings, Ghalibaf dismissed the idea of negotiations at this stage of the conflict, emphasizing that Iran’s priority remains responding to the attacks and defending the country’s sovereignty. He stated that Iran would not consider halting its operations until its objectives are met.

The escalation has triggered global concern, with international leaders urging restraint as the exchange of strikes continues. Analysts warn that the ongoing confrontation could draw in additional regional actors and further destabilize the Middle East if diplomatic channels fail to reopen.