Iran president apologises to neighbours, says will not strike
Iran president apologises to neighbours, says will not strike, signaling a shift in regional diplomacy as Tehran clarifies its attack policy. President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed neighbouring countries, apologising for the recent attacks carried out by Iran and asserting that the nation would refrain from targeting states unless attacks originated from their territory. This statement aims to reduce Middle East tensions while the US and Israel continue military operations in the region.
The apology comes amid a series of Tehran retaliation strikes following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, during joint US-Israel airstrikes. These recent events have escalated the ongoing conflict and affected several Gulf countries, prompting wide international concern.
Iran President apology and regional attack policy
The Iran president apologises to neighbours, says will not strike statement outlined a new regional attack policy. President Pezeshkian emphasised that Iran would not initiate attacks against neighbouring countries unless those territories were used to launch strikes against Iran.
“I apologise to the neighbouring countries that were attacked by Iran,” Pezeshkian stated in a televised address. “Our policy is defensive. We will not strike unless provoked.”
The announcement clarifies Tehran’s stance amidst growing Middle East tensions, which have intensified following recent missile and drone attacks across the Gulf and Israel. Experts say the apology and policy statement aim to de-escalate fears of wider regional war while affirming Iran’s readiness to defend itself against any further aggression.
Tehran retaliation strikes in the Gulf
Over the past week, Iran has carried out Tehran retaliation strikes targeting several locations in the Gulf, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain. Videos circulating online have shown the destruction caused by the strikes, underscoring the rising volatility in the region.
The retaliation is linked directly to the February 28 US-Israel airstrikes across multiple Iranian cities, including Tehran. The operation, dubbed “Operation Epic Fury,” targeted strategic military installations and urban areas in response to Iran’s nuclear activities and alleged security threats.
Pezeshkian acknowledged the strikes but stressed that the policy of refraining from attacks on neighbouring countries would remain in place unless those territories are used to launch attacks on Iran. This approach aims to reduce the possibility of unintended escalation while maintaining Iran’s defensive posture.
US-Israel airstrikes on Iran
The US-Israel airstrikes carried out in late February have heightened the security crisis across the region. These coordinated strikes were intended to target Iran’s military infrastructure and nuclear sites after stalled nuclear talks and allegations that Tehran resumed nuclear activities.
The strikes resulted in the deaths of several key figures, including Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, his daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter. His wife, Mansoureh Khojasteh Bagherzadeh, later succumbed to injuries sustained during the attacks. These events prompted Iran to launch Tehran retaliation strikes across the Gulf, further inflaming Middle East tensions.
Impact on neighbouring countries
The apology from President Pezeshkian is significant for regional diplomacy. Countries neighbouring Iran had experienced attacks and were concerned about further escalation. The clarification that Iran would only retaliate if attacks originated from their territories is meant to reassure neighbours such as United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Kuwait.
Despite the apology, tensions remain high. Hezbollah fighters have reportedly clashed with Israeli troops along the Lebanon-Syria border, while Dubai’s airport suspended flights after explosions were heard nearby. Analysts warn that the volatile situation requires continued diplomatic engagement to prevent a broader regional conflict.
Middle East tensions and security concerns
The statement by Iran’s president comes amid sustained Middle East tensions, with multiple countries involved in the ongoing crisis. Security experts note that the combination of US-Israel airstrikes, Tehran retaliation strikes, and the risk of escalation along borders increases the complexity of regional security.
While Pezeshkian’s apology and new policy aim to de-escalate tensions, military analysts suggest that the risk of miscalculation remains high. Countries in the Gulf are taking precautions, and international organizations continue to monitor the situation closely.
Tehran’s message of defence, not surrender
President Pezeshkian also asserted that Iran would “not surrender” in the face of external pressure. “The enemies must take their wish for the surrender of the Iranian people to their graves,” he said. This rhetoric underscores that while Iran seeks to avoid unnecessary attacks on neighbours, it remains resolute in defending its sovereignty.
The dual message—apology to neighbouring countries and firm defence posture—reflects Iran’s strategic balancing act: calming fears of broader conflict while signalling strength in response to US-Israel airstrikes.
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International response and diplomatic outlook
The international community has welcomed the clarification but remains cautious. Observers note that Iran’s regional attack policy could reduce the immediate risk of escalation, but sustained tensions with Israel and the United States continue to pose security challenges.
Diplomats in the Gulf and United Nations officials have urged all parties to engage in dialogue to prevent further attacks and potential humanitarian consequences. The recent apology and pledge not to strike unless provoked could provide a window for diplomatic solutions, though the situation remains fragile.
Mainstream media references.
- Reuters – Iran to suspend strikes on neighbours unless attacks come from them
https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/iran-suspend-strikes-neighbours-unless-attacks-come-them-2026-03-07/ - NDTV – Iran President Says ‘Sorry’ to Neighbours For Attacks, With Conditions
https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/iran-war-iran-president-masoud-pezeshkian-apologises-to-neighbouring-countries-for-attacks-says-will-not-surrender-to-israel-us-11181181
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