TEHRAN, Iran — Masoud Pezeshkian, the president of Iran, has apologised to neighbouring countries for attacks linked to the ongoing regional conflict while insisting that Tehran will not surrender to pressure from the United States or Israel.
Speaking in a televised address, Pezeshkian expressed regret over strikes that affected nearby Gulf nations during the escalating war but maintained that Iran’s actions were defensive.
“I apologise to neighbouring countries that were attacked,” he said, adding that Iran does not intend to target regional states unless they are used as launch points for attacks against the country.
Rejects “unconditional surrender.”
The Iranian leader also dismissed calls from Donald Trump for Tehran to accept “unconditional surrender”, saying such demands are unrealistic.
Trump had earlier posted on his Truth Social platform that there would be no agreement with Iran unless it agreed to unconditional surrender, a statement that further heightened tensions as the conflict deepened.
Pezeshkian said Iran would continue defending its sovereignty despite mounting international pressure.
Regional tensions rising
The war has intensified across the Middle East following strikes involving Israel, the United States, and Iran, raising fears of a broader regional conflict.
Several countries in the Gulf region have reported missile and drone attacks during the escalation, prompting concerns about the security of energy infrastructure and shipping routes.
The crisis has also disrupted commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime corridor through which a significant share of the world’s oil supply normally passes.
With military operations continuing and diplomatic tensions rising, the conflict is increasingly being viewed as one of the most serious geopolitical crises in the Middle East in recent years.
