Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian expresses regret over Gulf city attacks, pledges no more strikes

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has stated that the country will cease launching missile or drone assaults on neighbouring countries until an attack on Iran originates from their territory. According to international sources, Iran’s temporary leadership council accepted the decision, which is regarded as the first definite step toward lowering tensions in the region following days of severe combat.

Pezeshkian also apologised to neighbouring nations for the conflict’s instability, stating that Iran does not want the situation to extend further.

“I must apologise on my own behalf and on behalf of Iran to the neighbouring countries that were attacked by Iran,” said he, as reported by AFP. The announcement follows the confrontation that began last weekend when the US and Israel launched strikes on Iranian sites. Hundreds of people, including Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, were purportedly murdered in the strikes.

Since then, Iran has replied with missile and drone attacks on various places tied to US and Israeli regional interests. The continued confrontations have heightened concerns about a larger Middle Eastern conflict.

Also reads : US Senate rejects proposal to stop military campaign against Iran

Iran declares it will not surrender.

While announcing a respite in attacks on neighbouring nations, President Pezeshkian made it plain that Iran will not yield to pressure from Israel or the United States.

In a speech broadcast on national television, he declared that the Iranian people will never surrender. He cautioned against expecting Iran to capitulate and emphasised the country’s determination to defend itself.”The enemies must take their wish for the surrender of the Iranian people to their graves,” Pezeshkian told AFP.

Despite Iran’s announcement, tensions remain high throughout the Gulf area. Residents of major cities in the United Arab Emirates, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, reported hearing explosions and missile alerts as air defence systems intercepted drones and missiles.

Authorities also reported that operations at Dubai International Airport were temporarily halted on Saturday after passengers heard a loud explosion near the airport. Officials defined it as a “minor incident” and stated that the suspension was implemented to guarantee passenger safety.

Heavy casualties were reported during the conflict.

The protracted conflict has already resulted in significant losses. According to reports, at least 1,230 people have been killed in Iran, more than 200 in Lebanon, and around a dozen in Israel. In addition, six American soldiers were reported killed during the escalation. The crisis has also hampered air transport in the Gulf, causing thousands of flights to be cancelled as numerous nations closed their airspace due to missile and drone concerns.