Tehran: In a significant diplomatic signal aimed at easing tensions in the Middle East, Masoud Pezeshkian, the President of Iran, has said that Tehran will refrain from attacking neighbouring countries unless attacks on Iran originate from their territory.
The announcement was made after Iran’s interim leadership council reviewed the ongoing conflict triggered by joint strikes carried out by the United States and Israel last week.
The strikes killed several senior Iranian figures, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, dramatically escalating regional tensions. Pezeshkian described the move as an attempt to reduce the risk of a wider regional war.
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Apology to Neighbouring Countries
Speaking in a televised address, the Iranian president apologised to neighbouring nations for the anxiety caused by the ongoing conflict. He said the leadership had decided to suspend missile strikes against neighbouring territories unless those countries allowed attacks against Iran to be launched from their soil.
The message appeared to be directed at Gulf states worried about being dragged into the conflict. Iran’s leadership said it did not intend to target countries that remain neutral.
Iran Maintains Firm Stand Against US and Israel
Despite the conciliatory tone toward neighbours, Pezeshkian made it clear that Iran would not yield to pressure from Washington or Tel Aviv.
He said Iran would continue defending itself against external attacks and rejected any suggestion that the country would surrender in the face of military pressure.
The statement underscores Tehran’s dual approach: attempting to reassure nearby nations while maintaining a hard line against its primary adversaries.
Gulf Region Remains on Edge
Even as Iran signalled restraint, parts of the Gulf region continued to experience security alerts. Cities across the United Arab Emirates reported missile alerts and air raid sirens as defence systems intercepted drones and missile salvos believed to be linked to the ongoing retaliation cycle.
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In Dubai, authorities temporarily suspended operations at Dubai International Airport following what officials described as a “minor incident.” Passengers at the airport reported hearing a loud explosion before flights were halted as a precaution.
Fragile Moment for Regional Stability
Analysts say Iran’s latest announcement could mark an early step toward reducing regional escalation, though the situation remains volatile. With military exchanges still unfolding, the risk of the conflict spreading across the Gulf remains a major concern for global security and energy markets.