Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has apologised to neighbouring Gulf states affected by Iran’s recent retaliatory strikes and said Tehran will stop further attacks unless Iran comes under fresh assault from their territory.
The statement marks a softer diplomatic tone from Tehran after days of rising tensions across the Middle East. Iran had launched missile and drone attacks linked to United States military positions in Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, saying the operations were in response to earlier strikes by the United States and Israel on Iranian targets.
Pezeshkian said the decision to suspend attacks on neighbouring countries had been approved by Iran’s temporary leadership council. He added that the pause would remain in place unless any country in the region becomes a base for further attacks on Iran.
The development comes as Gulf states try to avoid being pulled deeper into the conflict, even as several of them host key American military facilities. Iran’s latest remarks appear aimed at calming regional fears and reducing the risk of a broader confrontation with its Arab neighbours.
Even so, the situation remains tense. Military activity has continued in parts of the region, and there is still uncertainty over whether the new Iranian position will hold if the conflict with Israel and the United States worsens.
For Gulf countries already caught between strategic alliances and regional security concerns, Tehran’s apology may ease immediate pressure. But it is unlikely to remove fears of further escalation as long as hostilities continue.
