Tag: Neighbouring countries

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has apologised to neighbouring countries that were hit by Iranian missile and drone strikes in recent days, saying the attacks would stop unless Iran itself is targeted from those countries. Speaking in a pre-recorded message aired on state television on Saturday, Pezeshkian expressed regret over the strikes, which affected several Gulf nations including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman during the past week. The attacks come amid a widening 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 explained that part of the situation was linked to confusion within the military following recent leadership changes in Iran, including the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Pezeshkian is currently serving as one of three members of an interim leadership council managing the country’s affairs after Khamenei’s death. According to the president, the council has now directed the armed forces to stop targeting neighbouring states unless attacks against Iran originate from their territories. “We have no intention of attacking other nations,” he said, while calling for diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis. Despite the apology, reports of new Iranian military activity surfaced on Saturday. Explosions were reportedly heard over Doha, drones were spotted near Dubai International Airport, and air defence systems were activated in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the UAE as Gulf countries intercepted several missiles and drones. Pezeshkian also dismissed calls from the United States for Iran to surrender unconditionally, describing the demand as a “dream they should take to their grave.” The development comes as Israeli and US forces continue carrying out intensified strikes on Iranian targets, with the conflict now entering its second week.