Iran President Says 'Sorry' To Neighbours For Attacks, But With A Condition

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has apologised to the neighbouring countries for attacks launched during its war with Israel and the United States - but asserted that Tehran will not strike "unless they attack first". LIVE UPDATES

"I must apologise on my own behalf and on behalf of Iran to the neighbouring countries that were attacked by Iran. 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," Pezeshkian said during an address broadcast by Iranian state TV.

However, Pezeshkian asserted that Tehran would "not surrender".

"The enemies must take their wish for the surrender of the Iranian people to their graves," he said.

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The US and Israel carried out coordinated airstrikes across Iran on February 28 after stalled nuclear talks and claims that Iran had resumed its nuclear activities. The strikes, named 'Operation Epic Fury', targeted many Iranian cities, including the capital Tehran, and killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, his wife, daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter. 

Iran has since responded with missile and drone strikes on Israel and US interests in regional countries -mainly in the Gulf regions, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain - with videos showing massive destruction. Strikes near the Dubai International Airport - the world's busiest airport - had injured four people last week.

Iranian attacks have also hit the upmarket Palm Jumeirah development and the Burj Al Arab luxury hotel, while drone debris caused a fire at the US consulate in Dubai on Tuesday. In Bahrain, an Iranian missile hit a state-run oil refinery on Thursday.

Qatar's Ministry of Defence said that 14 ballistic missiles and four drones were fired at the country - with one hitting Al-Udeid Qatari Base.

An Iranian strike also reportedly hit the Saudi Aramco. However, Tehran has denied its involvement.

Saudi Arabia warns Iran

Saudi Arabia's Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman warned Iran to "avoid miscalculation", saying it had thwarted repeated missile launches at an air base which houses US military personnel and drone attacks at a major oil field.

Saudi Arabia, the world's top oil exporter, reported at least two drone attacks earlier this week that targeted the Ras Tanura refinery in the east.

(With inputs from AFP)