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By John Ogunsemore
Iranian President, Masoud Pezeshkian on Saturday issued a public apology to neighbouring countries targeted by Iranian missile and drone strikes, saying such would cease unless attacks on Iran are launched from their soil.
In a pre-recorded address broadcast on state television, Pezeshkian expressed regret for the strikes, which have affected several Gulf Arab states including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman over the past week.
The attacks are part of a broader escalation in the Middle East conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.
“I must apologise on my own behalf and on behalf of Iran to the neighbouring countries that were attacked by Iran,” Pezeshkian said.
He attributed the incidents in part to miscommunication within military ranks following recent leadership changes, including the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Pezeshkian is one of three members of an interim leadership council governing Iran following Khamenei’s death.
The president added that the council had approved a directive instructing armed forces to cease targeting neighbouring states unless attacks on Iran are launched from their soil.
“We have no intention of attacking other nations,” he emphasised, calling for diplomatic resolution.
The apology comes as reports of fresh Iranian strikes continued on Saturday, with explosions reported over Doha, drone activity near Dubai International Airport, and air defence activations in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
Gulf nations have repelled multiple waves of missiles and drones, heightening regional tensions.
Meanwhile, Pezeshkian also rejected US demands for unconditional surrender, describing them as a “dream they should take to their grave.”
The remarks follow intensified airstrikes by Israel and the US on Iranian targets as the ongoing conflict enters its second week.
