Iran’s president, Masoud Pezeshkian, has rejected Donald Trump’s call for unconditional surrender, describing it as a “dream” in a televised address on Saturday. The remarks came as the conflict entered its eighth day, with continued missile and drone strikes on Gulf states.
Pezeshkian apologised to neighbouring countries for Iranian attacks that hit civilian targets, saying Iran would suspend strikes on nearby states unless an assault originated from them. “I personally apologise to neighbouring countries that were affected by Iran’s actions,” he stated.
Trump responded on his Truth Social platform, warning that if Iran did not surrender, “it will be hit very hard!” and was “under serious consideration for complete destruction and certain death.” He claimed Iran’s apology was due to mounting US and Israeli pressure.
Israeli and US officials reported that about 60% of Iran’s missile launchers and 80% of its air defence systems had been destroyed, giving Israel aerial superiority. Fresh Israeli strikes sent 80 fighter jets to target a military academy, command centre, and missile facility near Tehran.
Western officials urged caution in interpreting Pezeshkian’s apology as a sign of de-escalation, noting Iran’s capabilities appeared degraded. The president later clarified that Iran would not attack neighbours if they refrained from cooperating with US attacks launched from regional bases.
