Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran will stop attacking neighboring countries, but only if attacks against Iran are not launched from their territory.
The statement was delivered in a televised address on March 7 as the conflict between Iran and the United States enters its second week.
Pezeshkian said Iran’s leadership council approved a halt to missile and drone strikes on nearby countries. He also apologized for recent attacks on Gulf nations, including Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
However, the Iranian president added a clear warning. He said attacks could continue if strikes against Iran are launched from those countries.
Several U.S. military bases in the region are currently being used for operations. These include Al Udeid Air Base, Al Dhafra Air Base, and Ali Al Salem Air Base, which support American aircraft and drones involved in the conflict.
The announcement came shortly after explosions were reported over Doha, raising questions about whether some strikes were already underway or carried out by units acting on earlier orders.
The situation inside Iran has also become unstable after the death of Ali Khamenei in airstrikes late last month. Officials have admitted that some military units are now operating on previously issued instructions, which could make it harder for the government to fully control attacks.
Analysts say the statement may be part of a broader strategy. Iran cannot match U.S. military power directly, so it may be trying to pressure Gulf countries that host American forces.
If those countries continue allowing U.S. strikes from their bases, they could risk more Iranian retaliation. But asking the U.S. to leave would also create tensions with Washington. For now, the region remains on edge as the conflict continues.
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