Iran Halts Strikes on Neighbors, Apologizes for Recent Attacks

Tehran announced Saturday it will halt attacks on neighboring countries unless it is attacked first, as tensions remain high following recent retaliatory strikes and escalating conflict with the United States and Israel. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also issued an apology to regional countries for the recent strikes.

De-escalation Amidst Ongoing Conflict

President Pezeshkian stated that Iran’s interim leadership council approved the suspension of attacks on neighboring states, with the caveat that any attack originating from those countries would trigger a response. This announcement comes after a week of escalating tensions, marked by Iranian strikes across the Gulf region in response to US and Israeli strikes on Iran.

Apology to Regional Neighbors

In remarks carried by Iranian media, Pezeshkian apologized to neighboring countries for the recent attacks. The strikes targeted infrastructure and civilian sites in countries including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia as reported by the BBC.

Rejection of US Demands

Despite the de-escalatory move, Pezeshkian firmly rejected a demand for unconditional surrender issued by former US President Donald Trump. According to Deutsche Welle, Pezeshkian stated that the demand was a “dream that they should take to their grave.”

Ambassador Defends Iran’s Right to Self-Defense

Seyed Ali Mousavi, the Iranian ambassador to the UK, reiterated Iran’s policy of self-defense, stating that if “aggression from the American and Israeli side continues, we will continue to defend ourselves.” As reported by the BBC, Mousavi indicated a “willingness from the Iranian side not to strike, not to attack our neighbours,” but emphasized this depended on the actions of the US and Israel.

Regional Response and Ongoing Attacks

Qatar’s defense ministry has reported intercepting a missile, while several Arab states in the Gulf have been targeted in Iranian retaliatory strikes. Al Jazeera reports that air attacks continue in over 170 cities across Iran.

Key Takeaways

• Iran has announced a halt to strikes on neighboring countries unless attacked first.
• President Pezeshkian apologized to regional neighbors for recent attacks.
• Iran rejected a demand for unconditional surrender from former US President Donald Trump.
• The Iranian ambassador to the UK affirmed Iran’s right to self-defense.
• Despite the announcement, attacks continue within Iran and regional tensions remain high.