Masoud Pezeshkian has issued a rare apology to neighbouring countries affected by Iran’s recent missile and drone attacks, while stressing that the country will not surrender to pressure from Israel or the United States.
In a speech broadcast on state television, Pezeshkian said Iran’s enemies “must take their wish for the unconditional surrender of the Iranian people to their graves,” signalling Tehran’s firm stance despite rising regional tensions.
The conflict escalated after Israel and the United States launched strikes on Iran on February 28, an operation that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, and triggered a wider confrontation in the region.
Since then, Iran has carried out missile and drone strikes against Israeli targets and US interests across several countries in the Gulf.
Pezeshkian currently serves as one of three members of an interim leadership council overseeing the country following Khamenei’s death.
During his address, he apologised to neighbouring nations affected by Iran’s military response, saying Tehran would avoid targeting them unless attacks on Iran were launched from their territories.
“I must apologise on my own behalf and on behalf of Iran to the neighbouring countries that were attacked by Iran,” he said.
He added that the interim leadership council had agreed that Iran would halt further attacks on neighbouring countries unless they were used as a base for strikes against Iran.
