Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian dismissed U.S. and Israeli demands for Iran’s “unconditional surrender” as a “summer-night dream” — one, he added, that Washington will “take to the grave.” Speaking in a televised address on Saturday, Pezeshkian reaffirmed Tehran’s resolve, stating that Iran “will stand firm until the end” and will not yield.
Shift in Regional Posture
In a notable shift, Pezeshkian announced that Iran’s Temporary Leadership Council has approved a halt to military operations against neighboring countries — unless those states launch attacks against Iran first. “The Temporary Leadership Council has decided there will be no further attacks or missile launches against neighboring countries, except in response to aggression launched by them against Iran,” he said.
This declaration comes amid escalating regional tensions following the outbreak of hostilities on February 28. Since then, several Gulf states — many of which host U.S. military bases — have been targeted by Iranian drones and missiles. While Tehran maintains it only strikes American interests or facilities, affected countries dispute that claim.
Apology to Neighboring States
Pezeshkian also issued an apology to neighboring countries impacted by Iranian strikes. “I apologize to the neighboring countries that were attacked by Iran,” he stated — a rare acknowledgment of civilian or sovereign harm caused by Iranian actions.
The remarks raise questions about whether Tehran is seeking to de-escalate before the conflict spirals further — particularly as regional and international pressure mounts.