Iranian President apologises to Gulf neighbours after missile strikes

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has apologised to neighbouring Gulf countries following recent Iranian missile strikes in the region, while announcing that Tehran will halt attacks unless it is attacked first.

Pezeshkian made the remarks in a pre-recorded televised address on Saturday, after Iran launched strikes targeting Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.

In the speech, the Iranian leader expressed regret over the attacks on neighbouring countries.

“I should apologise to the neighbouring countries that were attacked by Iran, on my own behalf,” Pezeshkian said.

He added that Iran would avoid further strikes against neighbouring states unless it is provoked.

“From now on, we should not attack neighbouring countries or fire missiles at them unless we are attacked by those countries. I believe these issues should be resolved through diplomacy,” he said.

The development follows discussions between Iran’s temporary leadership council and the country’s armed forces, amid reports of confusion within the military hierarchy after the deaths of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior leaders.

Despite the conciliatory tone toward regional neighbours, Pezeshkian maintained a defiant stance toward Washington, dismissing the United States’ demand for an unconditional surrender.

“That is a dream they should take to their grave,” he said.

The statement comes as tensions continue to rise across the Gulf following recent US–Israeli strikes on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory attacks across the region.