Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian apologised on Saturday to neighbouring countries for attacks launched during the ongoing conflict with Israel and the United States. Speaking in a televised address, Pezeshkian said, “I apologise… to the neighbouring countries that were attacked by Iran,” signalling a rare acknowledgment of regional collateral impact amid the escalating war.

Pezeshkian further stated that Iran will not target neighbouring countries unless attacks originate from their territories. “The interim leadership council agreed yesterday that no more attacks will be made on neighbouring countries and no missiles will be fired unless an attack on Iran originates from those countries,” he said.

The interim leadership council has been managing Iran’s affairs since the killing of the Islamic republic’s supreme leader last week in strikes attributed to US and Israeli forces, which triggered a wider Middle East conflict. Pezeshkian’s remarks are seen as an attempt to reassure neighbouring nations and reduce regional tensions while continuing hostilities against Israel.

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Meanwhile, the conflict shows no signs of abating. Explosions were heard and air raid sirens sounded in Jerusalem on Saturday, according to AFP journalists on the ground, as the US-Israeli military operations against Iran entered their second week. At least three explosions were reported, with six air raid alerts issued across Israel in the previous 24 hours.

Analysts say Pezeshkian’s apology and the pledge to avoid striking neighbouring countries reflect Tehran’s effort to contain the war geographically, while maintaining its strategic operations against Israel. Experts also note that the announcement could be intended to prevent further diplomatic fallout with countries that are not directly involved in the conflict.

As the situation develops, residents in Israel and surrounding regions remain on high alert, with continued air raid warnings and precautionary measures in place. International observers continue to monitor the conflict, emphasizing the potential for escalation if cross-border attacks occur.

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