Iran agrees not to strike neighbours unless attacks originate from them: Masoud Pezeshkian

Latest in Iran-Israel Conflict in Middle East: In what appeared to be a significant breakthrough in a week's long escalations in the Middle East, Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian has said that Tehran will not attack neighbouring countries unless attacks originate from them, according to foreign media reports. The decision was cleared by Iran's interim leadership council, the president reportedly said.

Last week, joint Israel-US attacks against Tehran, killing Iran's Supreme Leader, triggered Iran's retaliatory action against the two and at least eight countries in the Middle East, especially targeting countries hosting US assets. The countries that have been attacked by Iran include Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain.

Iranian president apologises to neighbouring countries

Add Zee Business as a Preferred Source

Apologising to the heads of the neighbouring countries for Iran's recent strikes against them, Pezeshkian reportedly called for unity and solidarity among people to defend Iran. In the same message, reportedly released through a prerecorded statement by Iran's state media, the Iranian president said that all that the Americans want is an "unconditional surrender", describing it as a "dream" that "they will carry to their graves".

His remarks resonated with broader hopes of de-escalation as the conflict entered its second week on Saturday.

This week, US President Donald Trump vowed to work towards bringing Iran back onto the path of development, while demanding unconditional surrender from Tehran. He said that Iran will will have to choose a universally acceptable leader for this to happen.

"There will be no deal with Iran except UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER! 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. IRAN WILL HAVE A GREAT FUTURE. 'MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN (MIGA!).' Thank you for your attention to this matter!" Trump wrote on social network Truth Social.

The US president's suggested he was not interested in a negotiated settlement to the conflict.

Here are answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to the story:

What has Iran’s President announced?

Masoud Pezeshkian has said Tehran will not attack neighbouring countries unless attacks against Iran originate from them.

Which body has approved this decision in Iran?

The decision was cleared by Iran’s interim leadership council, according to the president.

Which countries were targeted by Iran’s retaliatory strikes?

Iran carried out strikes on several countries, especially those hosting US assets, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE and Kuwait.

Did the Iranian president respond to neighbouring countries?
Yes.

Before the Iranian president's apology to neighbouring countries, who demanded "unconditional surrender" from Iran?

It was US President Donald Trump.

What did he say about the US demand for surrender?

He said the US demand for “unconditional surrender” was unrealistic and described it as a dream Americans would “carry to their graves”.

What is the US position on the conflict?

US President Donald Trump demanded Iran’s unconditional surrender and said Tehran must choose a “great and acceptable leader”.

Did Trump indicate openness to negotiations?

No. His remarks suggested he was not at all interested in a negotiated settlement.