07.03.2026 19:35
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has taken a step back this time, apologizing to neighboring countries that were attacked by Iran. Pezeshkian stated that his country has always emphasized the importance of maintaining friendly relations with regional countries based on mutual respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity, but this does not negate the right to self-defense against military attacks from the U.S. and Israel.
Mesud Pezeshkian stated that Iran wants to maintain good neighborly relations with regional countries but will not give up its right to defense in the face of attacks from the US and Israel.
"WE VALUE GOOD NEIGHBORLINESS"
Iranian President Mesud Pezeshkian emphasized in a statement made via the social media platform X that his country bases its relations with regional countries on the principles of mutual respect and sovereignty.
Pezeshkian stated, "Iran has always advocated for the maintenance of friendly relations with regional countries based on mutual respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity."
"OUR RIGHT TO DEFENSE CANNOT BE ELIMINATED"
However, Pezeshkian noted that this approach does not eliminate Iran's right to self-defense, stating that Iran will exercise its legitimate right to self-defense in the face of military attacks from the US and Israel.
The Iranian leader said, "This situation does not eliminate Iran's right to self-defense against military attacks from the US and the Zionist regime."
"US BASES WERE TARGETED"
Pezeshkian argued that there were no targets aimed at allied or friendly countries in Iran's attacks, stating that only US military assets in the region were targeted.
Pezeshkian said, "We did not attack our friendly and allied countries. However, we targeted the American bases, facilities, and military capabilities present in the region," adding that Iran's defense operations are solely aimed at the sources of the attacks.
"WE WILL RESIST TO PROTECT OUR COUNTRY"
The Iranian President also emphasized their determination to defend their country, stating that they will continue to fight to protect the Iranian people.
APOLOGY MESSAGE TO NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES
On the other hand, Pezeshkian had previously apologized to neighboring countries for attacks in a speech broadcast on Iranian state television.
Pezeshkian announced that the Temporary Leadership Council established in Iran decided not to launch missiles at neighboring countries that do not pose a threat, stating, "I must apologize to the neighboring countries that have been attacked by Iran. We have no intention of attacking neighboring countries. They are our brothers, and we want to work together for peace and tranquility."