Iran Halts Gulf Attacks Under Conditions, Apologizes for Strikes Amidst Ongoing Conflict

Following a week of escalating tensions and retaliatory strikes, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian announced on Saturday that Iran would halt attacks on its Gulf neighbors, but only under the condition that those countries do not launch attacks originating from their territories. This announcement was accompanied by an apology to neighboring countries for the recent strikes that have caused widespread panic CNN.

De-escalation with a Caveat

Pezeshkian stated the decision to cease attacks was made on Friday. However, just moments after his prerecorded statement, reports surfaced of new strikes, including 16 ballistic missiles and 121 drones fired at the United Arab Emirates alone CNN. These launches represent some of the largest since the conflict began, coinciding with the one-week anniversary of the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in strikes carried out by the United States and Israel.

Apology and Justification

In a significant move, Pezeshkian apologized to Iran’s neighbors for the days of strikes. This apology marks a continuation of a pattern of regretful statements from the reformist leader since taking office, including apologies for the deterioration of the national economy, the killing of protesters, and governmental inefficiencies CNN. He attributed the attacks to the actions of Iranian armed forces acting “on their own authority” to defend the homeland following the loss of commanders due to prior aggression Euronews.

International Reactions

The announcement and subsequent attacks have drawn mixed reactions. Former U.S. President Donald Trump warned on social media that further Iranian officials could become targets and alluded to potential expansion of targets, suggesting areas and groups previously unconsidered were now under consideration Euronews. An explosion was also reported over Doha shortly after Pezeshkian’s statement, indicating continued unrest in the region Al Jazeera.

Official Statement

According to an official from the office of President Pezeshkian, Iran’s armed forces have been instructed not to attack neighboring countries unless attacked from those territories Facebook.

The situation remains fluid, with no foreseeable finish to the fighting in sight. The Trump administration has also approved a new $151 million arms sale to Israel Euronews.