ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Monday urged national unity in the face of Israeli attacks, calling on Iranians to set aside their differences and stand together against what he described as "genocidal criminal aggression." He also criticized the United States for allegedly enabling the Israeli strikes. "Today, more than ever, we need unity and cohesion, and all the people of Iran must join hands and stand with strength against the aggression that has taken shape; whatever differences, knots, and problems exist, today we must set them all aside and stand with unity and cohesion against this genocidal criminal aggression with strength," Pezeshkian said in a speech at the parliament. Israel launched a large-scale attack on Iran on Friday, killing several top commanders and nuclear scientists. In retaliation, Iran has fired hundreds of missiles and drones at Israeli targets, escalating the conflict significantly. The ongoing hostilities have resulted in numerous civilian casualties and significant damage to infrastructure in both countries. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Fox News on Sunday that his cabinet is determined to hit Iran as long it the country poses a threat to them. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts have stalled. Iran and the United States had completed five rounds of talks on Tehran’s nuclear program, with a sixth round scheduled for Sunday. However, Iranian officials canceled their participation, calling the talks "meaningless" in light of continued Israeli attacks. US President Donald Trump has denied his country's involvement in the conflict despite US support in downing Iranian missiles and drones. He expressed his hope on Sunday for Iran and Israel to reach a ceasefire. "US is bullying and, contrary to international rules, allows Israel to invade and attack our country," Pezeshkian told lawmakers on Monday.
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