Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Sunday that his comments about attacks affecting Gulf countries had been “misinterpreted by the enemy,” after his remarks were widely viewed as signalling a possible suspension of strikes on neighbouring states.Speaking on state TV, Pezeshkian said Iran sought good relations with countries in the region and had no intention of creating divisions with its neighbours, adding his remarks have been “misinterpreted by the enemy that seeks to sow division with neighbours”Click for live updates “It has repeatedly been said we are brothers and must have good relations with neighbours. However, we are forced to retaliate to attacks but this does not mean we have a dispute with a neighbouring country or want to upset their people,” he said, according to Reuters, citing state media. The clarification came after Pezeshkian’s earlier remarks, including an apology to neighbouring Gulf countries affected by Iranian attacks targeting US military facilities in the region, sparked debate domestically and across the region.“I personally apologise to neighbouring countries that were affected by Iran’s actions,” he had said earlier, while urging them not to join the US-Israel military campaign against Iran.The Iranian president had also indicated that Tehran’s temporary leadership council had agreed to halt attacks on neighbouring states unless strikes against Iran originated from their territory.However, the statement drew criticism from hardliners within Iran. A deputy leader at the president’s office later clarified that Iranian forces would continue to “respond firmly” to any attacks launched from US bases in the region.Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s supreme national security council, said on state television that there was no disagreement among Iranian leaders over the country’s strategy in the ongoing conflict.Pezeshkian’s latest remarks may have been prompted by reactions to comments made by US President Donald Trump. Trump on Saturday had responded to Pezeshkian’s statement by claiming Iran had effectively apologised and suggesting this signalled weakness.Trump later warned the United States could expand its targets. “He probably was talking about the oil facilities a few hours ago,” said Izadi, a professor at the University of Tehran, referring to Trump’s remarks.“After that video came out, Trump had a Truth Social statement saying that Iran has apologised, saying that this shows that they are surrendering,” Izadi said, adding that the response triggered criticism of Pezeshkian from political opponents at home.Meanwhile, Trump signalled that Washington was not inclined to pursue negotiations with Tehran as the conflict intensifies.Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Saturday, Trump said the ongoing military campaign could make negotiations unnecessary if Iran’s leadership structure collapsed. “At some point, I don’t think there will be anybody left, maybe to say ‘We surrender,’” he said.The conflict entered its second week with Israeli forces launching fresh strikes across Iran, including in Tehran. Iranian authorities say the US-Israeli campaign has killed at least 1,332 civilians and wounded thousands, while Iranian missile and drone attacks have killed 10 people in Israel.Iran has also targeted US military facilities and allied states hosting American forces. Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates reported drone incidents over the weekend, while Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they had struck US forces at a base in Bahrain.The conflict has also spread to Lebanon, where Israel warned the government it would face a “very heavy price” if it failed to restrain the Iran-backed Hezbollah group. Israeli strikes on Hezbollah-controlled areas, including Beirut’s southern suburbs, have killed around 300 people since Monday, according to reports.The escalating war has also unsettled global energy markets, with disruptions across the Gulf pushing oil prices to multi-year highs and prompting several regional producers to reduce output.
