Masoud Pezeshkian on US and Israel: 'They Are the Real Terrorists'

UPDATED: Sep 13, 2026 19:58 ISTIn an exclusive interview with India Today on the sidelines of the BRICS summit, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian condemned the United States and Israel over ongoing regional military actions, stating, "They are the real terrorists in the world." Pezeshkian accused Washington of committing state terrorism, attempting to topple Iran's government, and inciting division among Middle Eastern nations to exploit energy resources and sell weapons. Addressing speculation regarding Iran's leadership, Pezeshkian dismissed rumors concerning Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, confirming that "he is alive" and actively carrying out his constitutional responsibilities. He further noted that the United States disseminates misinformation because it cannot locate the Supreme Leader's precise whereabouts. Concluding on governance and diplomatic talks, Pezeshkian reaffirmed that the Supreme Leader remains the ultimate authority who retains the final decision-making power in Iran. Read MoreVIDEOS FROM OTHER SECTIONSLATEST VIDEOSDeepening Bilateral Ties, Chabahar Port Investments & BRICS Push Against UnilateralismDuring discussions on the sidelines of the BRICS summit, bilateral relations between Iran and India were highlighted as strengthening based on historic and cultural links. Talks focused on expanding trade partnerships and facilitating further Indian investment in the Chabahar port project, with Tehran expressing readiness for broader economic cooperation. The role of the BRICS grouping was framed around countering global unilateralism, resisting unilateral sanctions imposed by the United States, and building independent trade frameworks among member nations including India, China, and Russia. The dialogue underscored ongoing high-level engagement to develop structural cooperation across multiple sectors and foster regional economic connectivity.Row Over BRICS Gala Dinner: Congress Questions Vegetarian Menu, BJP Hits BackA political dispute has erupted between the Congress and the BJP over the menu served at the BRICS Summit gala dinner hosted by the Prime Minister. Rahul Gandhi questioned the decision to serve an entirely vegetarian spread, stating that eighty percent of Indians eat non-vegetarian food and arguing that the menu did not reflect the dietary diversity of India. In response, the BJP criticised the Congress for focusing on the food rather than the growing influence and success of India at the summit. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju accused the opposition of politicising the menu, adding that visiting global leaders relished the traditional Indian vegetarian dishes served across regional cuisines.BRICS Summit: Jaishankar Meets Russia, China, Iran Counterparts; India Leads Global SouthFollowing the conclusion of the BRICS summit, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar shared photographs with his counterparts from Russia, China, and Iran. This followed photographs shared earlier by the Prime Minister alongside Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The summit highlighted BRICS emerging as a powerful bloc driving the transition towards a multipolar global order. Furthermore, the declaration adopted at the summit underscored India's pivotal position as a voice of the Global South, guiding diverse nations to forge consensus despite differing geopolitical interests.BRICS Adopts New Delhi Declaration, Backs UNSC Reforms And Urges West Asia De-EscalationThe 2026 BRICS Summit in New Delhi concluded with the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration by all 11 member nations. Hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the summit brought together world leaders, including Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin. The joint declaration called for structural reforms of multilateral institutions like the UNSC, strongly condemned terrorism, and denounced unilateral acts of war. It further urged restraint, de-escalation, and dialogue amid ongoing military aggression in West Asia, following a consensus between Iran and the UAE on the text. PM Modi highlighted the pillars of resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability, while cautioning against the weaponisation of technology and critical minerals. The BRICS presidency was handed over to China.