The comments of Masoud Pezeshkian “were misinterpreted by the enemy who seeks to sow division with neighbors,” he stated, as reported today by state television. It should be noted that yesterday’s statements by the Iranian president were considered a decision to suspend attacks on Iran’s neighboring countries. However, the strikes did not stop with explosions continuing to be recorded in Gulf countries.
Pezeshkian: “We are forced to respond to attacks”
“It has been repeatedly said that we are brothers and must have good relations with neighbors. However, we are forced to respond to attacks but this does not mean we have a dispute with a (neighboring) country or that we want to disturb their peoples,” Pezeshkian declared.
Pezeshkian’s “apology” to Iran’s neighboring countries
It is recalled that Iran’s president had stated yesterday that the country’s interim governing council approved the suspension of attacks against neighboring countries, unless there is an attack on Iran from these countries, while he requested an apology. “I apologize to the neighboring countries,” Pezeshkian specifically declared.
“The interim leadership council decided (yesterday) that there will be no more attacks on neighboring countries, nor missile launches, unless an attack against Iran comes from these countries,” he characteristically stated in remarks broadcast by state television.
It should be noted that several Gulf countries host American military bases. Iran’s neighboring countries have been targeted by unmanned aircraft (drones) and missiles since the beginning of the conflict on February 28. Iran has stated that it only targets American interests or bases, something disputed by the countries that have been targeted.
“We have not attacked friendly neighboring countries, but targeted American military bases”
Meanwhile, following his statements, Pezeshkian through a social media post repeated his position regarding “good neighborliness” and “mutual respect.” “This does not negate Iran’s inherent right to defend against military aggression from the United States and the Zionist regime,” he declared.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran has always emphasized maintaining and continuing friendly relations with regional governments, which are based on good neighborliness and mutual respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity. This does not negate Iran’s inherent right to defend against military aggression from the United States and the Zionist regime. We stand and resist to the death to defend our country. Iran’s defensive operations are conducted exclusively against targets and facilities that constitute the source and origin of aggressive actions against the Iranian nation and we consider them our legitimate targets.
We have not attacked friendly neighboring countries, but targeted American military bases, installations and facilities in the region,” he characteristically noted.
