Masoud Pezeshkian has announced that Iran will stop launching missile or drone attacks on neighbouring countries unless an attack on Iranian territory begins from those nations. The decision, approved by Iran’s temporary leadership council, is being viewed internationally as the first clear step toward easing tensions after days of intense fighting across the Middle East.
According to international reports, Pezeshkian also issued a rare apology to neighbouring states affected by the recent escalation and said Tehran does not want the crisis to spread further across the region.
“I must apologise on my own behalf and on behalf of Iran to the neighbouring countries that were attacked by Iran,” Pezeshkian said, according to AFP.
The announcement comes after a dramatic escalation in the conflict that began when the United States and Israel carried out strikes on Iranian targets last weekend. The attacks reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei along with hundreds of others, triggering a wave of retaliation from Tehran.
In response, Iran launched multiple missile and drone strikes targeting locations linked to American and Israeli interests across the region. The exchanges have significantly heightened fears of a broader regional war.
While signalling restraint toward neighbouring countries, Pezeshkian made it clear that Iran would not bow to pressure from Israel or the United States.
In a speech broadcast on state television, the Iranian president said the country would continue to defend itself and warned that those expecting Iran to surrender would be disappointed.
“The enemies must take their wish for the surrender of the Iranian people to their graves,” AFP quoted Pezeshkian as saying.
Despite Tehran’s announcement, tensions remain high across the Gulf region. Residents in major cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates reported hearing explosions and receiving missile alerts as air defence systems intercepted drones and missiles.
The continuing exchanges have left governments across the region on high alert, with fears that the conflict could expand further if hostilities between Iran, Israel, and the United States continue.
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