Pezeshkian Apologises to Gulf Nations — Iran Halts Attacks on Neighbours

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian broadcast a pre-recorded video message on Day 8 apologising to neighbouring countries that had been attacked by Iran over the course of the war. Pezeshkian said: Iran's interim leadership council has approved stopping attacks or missile strikes against neighbouring countries, unless an attack against Iran originated from those countries. The statement represents the most significant Iranian concession of the war — effectively a unilateral halt to strikes on Bahrain, Kuwait, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar in exchange for no formal reciprocal commitment from the US or Israel. Pezeshkian simultaneously rejected Trump's unconditional surrender demand, calling it a dream that he should take to his grave. The pre-recorded format of the message is notable: it suggests the statement was carefully scripted by the leadership council and may reflect a coordinated diplomatic signal to Gulf mediators in Oman and Qatar. The Gulf ceasefire decision does not apply to US military bases in Gulf states — which remain defined as legitimate targets — or to operations in Iraq, Yemen, or Lebanon.