For Iran’s leadership, the West’s intransigence had given Israel the green light for another attack. But Pezeshkian noted that Iranian society was stronger following the 12-day war last June. “The last attack brought unity,” he insisted. “Iranians opposed regime change even if they disagreed with the revolution. Even people who criticize us, those people supported our military.”

Pointing to Israel’s brazen assault inside Qatar this September, where it tried and failed to assassinate the entire Hamas negotiating team, Pezeshkian predicted, “Cohesion will increase across the region because our neighbors recognize that nobody is safe now.”

During Israel’s assault on Iran, the president narrowly escaped an attempt on his life. “There are plans that if they take me out” when Israel attacks again, “we have prepared five to six steps down the line.