In a televised address broadcast on Iranian state media, Pezeshkian acknowledged that several Gulf nations were unintentionally drawn into the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel. He expressed regret over strikes that hit parts of the region and stressed that Tehran has no intention of targeting neighboring countries moving forward unless attacks originate from their territory.
“I must apologize on my own behalf and on behalf of Iran to the neighboring countries that were attacked,” the president said, adding that Iran’s interim leadership council has instructed the military not to fire missiles or drones at neighboring states unless Iran is attacked from those locations.
The apology comes after several Gulf states—including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and others—reported missile and drone incidents during the intensifying regional conflict. The attacks have raised fears of a wider Middle East war, with military actions spreading across multiple countries and disrupting air travel and oil markets.
Despite the conciliatory tone toward neighboring nations, Pezeshkian delivered a defiant message toward Israel and the United States. Responding to demands from Washington that Iran accept “unconditional surrender,” he rejected the idea outright, calling it unrealistic and unacceptable for the Iranian people.
“The enemies should take their dream of Iran’s surrender to their graves,” he declared, signaling that Tehran intends to continue resisting military pressure from Israel and its allies.
The conflict has intensified dramatically over the past week following coordinated U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian military infrastructure. Iran responded with retaliatory attacks across the region, leading to casualties, widespread destruction, and rising geopolitical tensions.
Analysts say the Iranian president’s apology may be an attempt to prevent neighboring countries from joining the war, while maintaining a strong stance against Israel and the United States. With both sides refusing to back down, the situation remains volatile and the risk of further escalation across the Middle East continues to grow.
