Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has dismissed Donald Trump's call for unconditional surrender as a 'dream', while issuing a rare apology to neighbouring Gulf states for Iranian strikes that hit civilian targets. In a televised address on Saturday, Pezeshkian said Iran would never capitulate, responding to the US president's remarks that only total submission could end the conflict.
Pezeshkian's apology came as the war entered its eighth day, with missiles and drones continuing to strike Gulf countries. He said Iran's temporary leadership council had approved suspending attacks on nearby states unless an assault on Iran originated from those countries. 'I personally apologise to neighbouring countries that were affected by Iran's actions,' he stated.
Trump swiftly responded on his Truth Social platform, warning that Iran faced 'complete destruction' if it did not surrender. He claimed Iran's apology was the result of mounting US military pressure. Israeli and US officials said strikes had destroyed about 60% of Iran's missile launchers and 80% of its air defence systems.
Western officials urged caution in interpreting Pezeshkian's remarks as a sign of seeking an off-ramp, noting that Iran's capabilities appeared degraded. Later, Pezeshkian's deputy clarified that Iran would not attack regional countries if they did not cooperate in a US attack on Iran, but would respond decisively to any aggression from US bases.
Meanwhile, Israel launched a fresh wave of strikes on Iran, sending 80 fighter jets in a pre-dawn blitz that set one of Tehran's main airports on fire. Targets included a military academy, an underground command centre and a missile storage facility.
