Iran Announces Pause on Attacks Against Neighbouring States; President Pezeshkian Issues Apology

In a move aimed at easing mounting regional tensions, Iran on Saturday announced a pause on attacks against neighbouring countries, with President Masoud Pezeshkian issuing an apology and stating that Tehran has no intention of invading other nations despite the ongoing conflict with Israel and the United States.

Addressing the nation in a televised speech, Pezeshkian said Iran’s temporary leadership council had decided to halt missile launches and military strikes on neighbouring countries unless Iran itself comes under direct attack from them.

“I apologise to the neighbouring countries. We have no intention of invading other countries,” Pezeshkian said, adding that the decision was intended to prevent further escalation across the region.

He further stated that the leadership council had formally announced that there would be “no more attacks on neighbouring countries and no missile launches unless attacks originate from those countries against Iran.”

The announcement came as the conflict entered its second week and international pressure on Tehran intensified. On Friday, US President Donald Trump called for Iran’s “unconditional surrender” in a post on his Truth Social platform.

“There will be no deal with Iran except UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!” Trump wrote.

He added that following such a move and the selection of what he described as an acceptable leadership, the United States and its allies would work to rebuild Iran’s economy.

“After that, and the selection of a great & acceptable leader(s), we, and many of our wonderful and very brave allies and partners, will work tirelessly to bring Iran back from the brink of destruction, making it economically bigger, better, and stronger than ever before,” Trump said, adding, “Iran will have a great future. ‘Make Iran Great Again (MIGA!).’”

Meanwhile, the conflict has expanded beyond Iran’s borders. Iran has launched strikes on Israel as well as several Gulf countries that host US military bases. On Saturday, missiles were reported heading toward Israel, triggering Israeli air defence systems to intercept the incoming attacks.

In response, Israel carried out another round of strikes targeting infrastructure in Tehran.