Middle East Tensions: Iran Vows Not To Attack Neighbours Without Provocation

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said the country has no intention of invading neighbouring nations.

Pezeshkian made the statement on Saturday in a video message broadcast on Iranian state television, addressing rising regional tensions.

During the address, he apologised to neighbouring countries that were affected by retaliatory airstrikes during the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States.

The Iranian leader also assured that Tehran would only take military action against neighbouring countries if it was attacked first.

In recent days, Iran has launched missile and drone strikes targeting several US military bases in Gulf nations, including Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait. The strikes were described by Iranian authorities as retaliation for what they called “preemptive” attacks carried out by the United States and Israel.

Despite the escalation, Pezeshkian called for greater regional cooperation aimed at restoring stability and peace.

“I find it necessary to apologise to neighbouring countries that were affected,” he said. “We have no intention of invading any neighbouring nation.”

He added that Iran’s leadership had instructed the armed forces not to target neighbouring states unless Iran was attacked first.

“Those who may be thinking of taking advantage of this situation to attack Iran should avoid becoming tools of imperialism,” he warned.

The president also stated that aligning with Israel or the United States would not lead to honour or freedom.

Shortly after his remarks, Qatar’s Ministry of Defence announced that its forces had successfully intercepted a missile attack.