Iran’s President Pezeshkian Apologises to Neighbouring Countries for Recent Strikes, Vows No Further Attacks

In a pre-recorded address broadcast on Iranian state television, President Masoud Pezeshkian issued a public apology to Iran’s Gulf neighbours for missile and drone strikes that impacted their territories in recent days.

“I deem it necessary to apologise to neighbouring countries that were attacked,” Pezeshkian stated. “I personally apologise to neighbouring countries that were affected by Iran’s actions.”

The Iranian leader attributed some of the incidents to “miscommunication in the ranks” and stressed that Tehran harbours “no enmity” toward its neighbours, nor any intention to invade or occupy their lands. He emphasised a shift in policy, declaring that Iran would now refrain from targeting regional states unless attacks on Iranian soil originate from their territory.

“From now on we won’t attack neighbouring countries unless attacked first,” Pezeshkian said, adding that an interim leadership council had instructed the armed forces to halt such operations under the new directive.

Pezeshkian’s remarks appear aimed at de-escalating tensions with Arab Gulf states, many of which host American military assets and have intercepted Iranian projectiles in recent days. He called for regional cooperation to “establish peace and calm” while rejecting U.S. demands as a “dream” opponents would “carry to their graves.”