Tehran, March 8 (ANI) — Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said remarks he made about regional military operations were misunderstood and portrayed by “an enemy that seeks to sow division with neighbours,” state media reported, citing The Times of Israel.
His clarification came after diplomatic confusion over comments that some interpreted as indicating a possible pause in strikes on Gulf states even as attacks continued. Pezeshkian emphasized Iran’s desire for cordial, fraternal relations with neighbouring countries, saying repeatedly that they are “brothers” and relations should be good.
At the same time he defended Tehran’s military responses as reactive, saying Iran is “forced to retaliate to attacks” but denies any intention to pick fights with neighbouring states or to upset their populations. In a televised address, Pezeshkian said the leadership council had resolved not to strike neighbouring countries unless those states provoked such action. He offered an apology to neighbouring governments and insisted there would be no missile launches unless attacks against Iran originated from those specific nations.
Pezeshkian also dismissed Western calls for Iran’s unconditional surrender amid an intensified US-Israel campaign. He reacted to a recent post by former US President Donald Trump on Truth Social, in which Trump wrote there would be “no deal with Iran except unconditional surrender” and urged regime change, saying such hopes for Iran’s capitulation would not be realized.
The conflict entered its eighth day. Israeli Air Force jets reportedly struck several Iranian military targets, including a subterranean ballistic missile production facility and a military academy, using more than 230 bombs. The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps said it launched the 23rd wave of “Operation True Promise 4,” firing new-generation missiles at targets in the occupied territories and at US bases across the region.
This report is from a syndicated feed and was published as received; the Tribune does not assume responsibility for its accuracy or completeness.
