STORY: Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Saturday (March 7) that its temporary leadership council had approved the suspension of attacks against neighbouring countries unless an attack on Iran came from those countries.

The announcement came as Iran continued to launch attacks in the region in response to U.S.-Israeli strikes on the Islamic Republic.

"I personally apologise to neighbouring countries that were affected by Iran's actions," Pezeshkian said.

How far Pezeshkian's statement reflects a decision to back off by Iran, or why, is not yet clear, with some strikes still reportedly directed at Gulf states on Saturday morning.

Iran had mended fences with its Gulf neighbours in recent years, including with former regional arch rival Saudi Arabia - a diplomatic campaign that imploded as the Revolutionary Guards launched a blitz of drones and missiles over the past week.

Gulf states voiced immediate outrage that their civilian infrastructure - hotels, ports and oil facilities - were struck despite their having had no part in the U.S.-Israeli attacks.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

SHOWS: TEHRAN, IRAN (MARCH 7, 2026) (POOL via WANA - No use Iran. No use VOA Persian. No use BBC Persian. No use Manoto. No use Iran International, No Use Radio Farda)

1. (SOUNDBITE) (Farsi) IRANIAN PRESIDENT, MASOUD PEZESHKIAN, SAYING:

"I personally apologise to neighbouring countries that were affected by Iran's actions. Our commanders, leaders and loved ones lost their lives due to the brutal aggression that took place, and our armed forces are heroes who gave their lives to defend our territorial integrity. Our commanders took all the necessary measures and defended our land with dignity and strength."

2. WHITE FLASH

3. (SOUNDBITE) (Farsi) IRANIAN PRESIDENT, MASOUD PEZESHKIAN, SAYING:

"We didn't intend to violate neighbouring countries (territory), as I have said many times, they are our brothers. We stand with these ones we love in the region. We must join hands and establish peace and tranquility, and I hope that these events and the decision that we made yesterday in our interim leadership council will help achieve this. The decision was communicated to the armed forces that from now on they should not attack neighbouring countries or fire missiles unless those countries attack us. I think we should resolve this through diplomacy and avoid disputes and disagreements with neighbouring countries."

4. WHITE FLASH

5. (SOUNDBITE) (Farsi) IRANIAN PRESIDENT, MASOUD PEZESHKIAN, SAYING:

"Our dear people should know that all our ministers in the government, all our forces, are working with all their might. We will not fail, we are the servants of our people. We will try to avoid causing problems for our dear people, but the reality is that this is a war and we have prepared ourselves for a war. I ask God Almighty in the holy month to grant us this belief and faith in this belief so that we can defend the integrity of our country, the pride and dignity of our people with strength. It will be a lesson for future generations that Iranians are ready in all situations where they are needed. We must stand together."

6. WHITE FLASH

7. (SOUNDBITE) (Farsi) IRANIAN PRESIDENT, MASOUD PEZESHKIAN, SAYING:

"There are neighbouring countries where a series of groups or factions are thinking of using this opportunity to attack our soil. I am giving this message that it is better not to be a toy of imperialism. We may have differences and disputes with each other, but at this time to support Israel, which is committing genocide, and America, which is bullying, their presence will forever be a colour of disrespect and lack of zeal, I don't know what to say. Becoming a toy of the colonialists who are committing genocide is bad especially for those who think they want to gain their freedom and dignity. Dignity cannot be gained by being with foxes (Ed.'s note: meaning untrustworthy), liars, and life-sucking people. If we have differences, it is better to sit together and solve it peacefully, but let's not resort being a toy of Israel and America."