Iran’s president has apologized to neighboring countries after drone and missile strikes connected to the ongoing regional conflict caused disruption across parts of the Middle East. The attacks followed a wave of tensions after a U.S.–Israeli operation against Iran earlier this year. The strikes affected several countries in the Gulf region, including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait, while locations in Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Azerbaijan were also reportedly targeted.

The incidents raised concern among regional leaders, with officials warning that tensions had reached a dangerous level. In response, Masoud Pezeshkian issued a public apology to neighboring states during an address on Iranian state television. He said Iran did not intend to target nearby countries and described the strikes as a result of confusion within the military following the early stages of the conflict. “I deem it necessary to apologize to neighboring countries that were attacked,” Pezeshkian said.

He added that Iran would avoid future strikes on neighboring states unless the country was attacked first. The escalation followed the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei during airstrikes at the beginning of the conflict, an event that triggered a wave of retaliatory actions across the region. Despite the apology, Iranian military officials stated that operations against U.S. and Israeli targets in the region could continue.

Reports indicate that missile interceptions have recently taken place over Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Meanwhile, Donald Trump has demanded Iran’s unconditional surrender. In statements posted on social media, Trump warned that failure to comply could lead to severe consequences. Pezeshkian rejected those demands, saying calls for Iran to surrender were unrealistic and insisting the country would continue defending itself if necessary.