‘We must join hands’: Iran’s president apologizes for attacks on neighboring countries

Iran’s president, Masoud Pezeshkian, issued a surprising televised address on Saturday as the war involving Iran, the United States, and Israel entered its eighth day.

In a pre-recorded five-minute video statement aired on Iranian state television, Pezeshkian apologized for Iranian strikes on neighboring countries while simultaneously warning that Iran would never surrender to outside pressure.

The remarks come amid escalating regional tensions, U.S. military deployments, and an intensifying campaign against Iranian military infrastructure.

Pezeshkian acknowledged that Iranian attacks had struck targets beyond its borders during the conflict and issued a direct apology to countries in the region.

According to the Iranian president, Tehran has now ordered a halt to attacks against neighboring nations unless those countries launch attacks against Iran first.

The directive reportedly followed a decision by a Temporary Leadership Council after days of intense military exchanges across the Middle East.

While extending the apology, Pezeshkian attempted to frame the earlier attacks as actions carried out during a moment of chaos after senior Iranian leadership figures were killed during the conflict.

Despite the conciliatory tone toward neighboring countries, Pezeshkian delivered a defiant message toward the United States and Israel, particularly in response to warnings from President Donald Trump demanding Iran’s “unconditional surrender.”

The Iranian leader rejected the idea outright.

“Anyone who believes that we will surrender unconditionally should take that dream to their grave,” Pezeshkian declared.

Read the AI-generated translation of his speech:

Masoud Pezeshkian:
“I extend my greetings to the dear people of our country. I offer my condolences once again for the martyrdom of the Supreme Leader and the honorable commanders of our nation, and for the innocent and oppressed schoolchildren who were killed by bombing carried out by those who claim to defend human rights, freedom, and humanity.

Unfortunately, what we are witnessing is a process in which international laws are ignored. They bomb wherever they wish and do not hesitate to strike schools, hospitals, and various civilian centers across the country.

Despite all these hardships, I must thank the noble people of our nation who continue to stand firm every night in support of our country. Every Iranian, everyone who lives in Iran—regardless of religion, status, or appearance—their presence in defending the territorial integrity of Iran and our proud historical nation will discourage our enemies from achieving what they have in mind.

We are deeply grateful to these honorable people. All the disagreements, concerns, and grievances we may have with each other—I believe that today we must set all of these aside.

We must all join hands and defend our land and homeland with strength. We will stand firm, even to the point of sacrificing our lives, to bring Iran through this crisis with honor.

Anyone who believes that we will surrender unconditionally should take that dream to their grave.

What we remain committed to are international laws and humanitarian principles—the very principles that those who constantly speak about them should themselves respect. They must recognize the rights of all nations, and naturally the rights of Iran as well. They have no right to ignore these rights.

Here I must also apologize to the neighboring countries that were struck from Iranian territory. I personally apologize because of the circumstances that unfolded.

Our commanders, our leader, and our beloved figures lost their lives due to a brutal act of aggression. Our armed forces—heroes who have put their lives on the line and have dedicated themselves to defending the territorial integrity of our nation—took the necessary actions when their commanders were no longer present. Acting independently, they carried out what they believed was necessary and defended our land with dignity and strength.

We have no intention of aggression against neighboring countries. As I have said many times before, they are our brothers.

We must join hands with the nations of this region to establish peace and stability.

I hope that, following the decision made yesterday by the temporary leadership council, which has now been communicated to our armed forces, Iran will not attack neighboring countries or launch missiles toward them unless those countries themselves attack us.

I believe these matters must be resolved through diplomacy rather than conflict with neighboring nations.

Our dear people should know that within the government, all ministers and all of our forces are fully committed to their duties. We will not fall short in doing everything within our power. We are servants of the people.

We will strive to ensure that no problems arise for our people from our side. But the reality is that there is a war, and we have prepared—and will continue to prepare—for that war.

In this blessed month, I pray to God to grant us the faith, belief, and determination necessary so that we may defend the integrity of our nation and the honor and dignity of our people with strength.

Let this be a lesson for future generations—that whenever the moment demands it, the Iranian people stand united.

We must remain united.

I also hope that neighboring countries understand this message: some groups or factions may think they can use this moment as an opportunity to attack our territory, but they should not become tools of imperialism.

We may have disagreements with each other. We may have grievances with one another. But supporting Israel, which is committing genocide, and aligning with the bullying of the United States will only bring lasting disgrace.

Those who think they will gain freedom and dignity in this way are mistaken. Honor cannot be achieved by standing beside foxes, liars, and global exploiters.

If we have disagreements, it is better to sit down and resolve them together rather than become pawns of Israel and the United States.

May you be proud, victorious, and successful, God willing.”

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This article originally appeared on The Gateway Pundit.com.