Iran’s President Apologizes to Neighbors Amidst Ongoing Conflict
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has issued an apology to neighboring countries impacted by recent attacks launched during the escalating conflict with Israel and the United States, while simultaneously vowing Tehran will not concede. The announcement, broadcast on Iranian state television, signals a potential shift in strategy as the conflict enters its second week.
Pezeshkian stated that Iran will refrain from targeting neighboring nations “unless attacked from there,” according to reports. “I must apologise on my own behalf and on behalf of Iran to the neighbouring countries that were attacked by Iran,” he said. The interim leadership council reportedly agreed to halt further attacks on surrounding nations, conditioning any future missile launches on originating attacks.
However, Pezeshkian firmly declared, “The enemies must take their wish for the surrender of the Iranian people to their graves.”
The conflict was triggered by coordinated airstrikes conducted by the US and Israel on February 28, targeting Iranian cities including the capital, Tehran. These strikes, dubbed ‘Operation Epic Fury,’ resulted in the deaths of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with members of his family, according to reports.
Iran responded with missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and US interests throughout the Gulf region, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain. Damage has been reported in several locations, including near Dubai International Airport, where four people were injured last week. Attacks have also impacted the Palm Jumeirah development and the Burj Al Arab luxury hotel in Dubai, as well as causing a fire at the US consulate in the city. A missile strike in Bahrain hit a state-run oil refinery on Thursday.
Qatar’s Ministry of Defence reported intercepting 14 ballistic missiles and four drones, with one impacting Al-Udeid Qatari Base. An attack on Saudi Aramco is also alleged, though Tehran denies involvement.
Saudi Arabia’s Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman has warned Iran to “avoid miscalculation,” stating that repeated missile and drone attacks targeting an air base housing US military personnel and a major oil field had been thwarted. Ras Tanura refinery in eastern Saudi Arabia was targeted by drone attacks earlier this week.
The ongoing conflict underscores the heightened tensions in the region and the potential for wider instability. The situation remains fluid, with international observers closely monitoring developments.