Apology amid widening regional tensions
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has apologised for Iran’s attacks on neighbouring countries during the ongoing conflict against the United States and Israel. Speaking in a televised address, he said he was sorry for the strikes and expressed regret over the disruption caused.
Why Iran says it struck neighbours
According to Iran, the attacks were carried out using missiles and drones due to fears that US military bases located in nearby countries could be used to launch strikes against Iran. The reported targets included Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (including Dubai), Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Iraq.
Flight disruptions, calls to stop
The strikes severely affected air services in the region and heightened tensions across West Asia. The neighbouring countries, however, did not launch retaliatory attacks and instead urged Iran to halt further strikes.
‘No hostility’ and a conditional warning
Pezeshkian said Iran has no hostility towards its neighbours and has no intention to occupy or attack them. He said an interim leadership council has decided that Iran should not carry out missile attacks on neighbouring countries, but warned that Iran would respond if attacks are launched against it from those territories.
Peace effort and mediation claims
The apology is being seen as an attempt to ease tensions in West Asia. The Iranian President also said some countries have begun mediation efforts and insisted that the United States and Israel, whom he blamed for starting the war, must be held responsible.
