'No attack unless attacked first'; Iranian President apologises for attacks carried out on Gulf nations

TEHRAN: Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian has apologised for the attacks carried out by Iran on neighbouring Gulf countries, saying they were a response to the ongoing military strikes by the United States and Israel. Pezeshkian said Iran would not carry out further attacks, indicating an attempt to ease the tense war situation through diplomatic efforts.

However, he also warned that neighbouring countries should not allow attacks on Iran from their territories. If that happens, Iran would retaliate again. The interim governing council of Iran has approved this decision.

Pezeshkian also rejected the warning from Donald Trump demanding that Iran surrender unconditionally. He said surrender is only an unrealistic dream of Iran’s enemies.

Despite Pezeshkian’s statement, missile and drone attacks were reported in several Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.

Operations at Dubai International Airport were temporarily suspended in the morning after debris from an Iranian drone, which had been destroyed by air defence systems, fell nearby. The airport later resumed operations partially.

An attack was also reported on the Al Dhafra Air Base in the UAE, where US forces are stationed. Qatar's Ministry of Defence said a ballistic missile targeting the country was intercepted. In Saudi Arabia, 17 drones aimed at the Shaybah oil field were shot down.

Meanwhile, the US and Israel have intensified their military attacks on Iran. Powerful explosions were reported in Tehran, where air defence systems were among the targets destroyed. Reports say more than 1,300 people have been killed in Iran so far. Within seven days, over 6,600 targets and 43 warships in Iran have been destroyed.

US to deploy another aircraft carrier
The United States is preparing to deploy a third aircraft carrier to the region. The fleet may include the aircraft carrier USS George H. W. Bush (CVN‑77), which can carry around 80 fighter jets, along with escort ships equipped with Tomahawk cruise missiles. Currently, the aircraft carriers USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN‑72) is stationed in the Arabian Sea, while USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN‑78) is positioned in the Red Sea.

Al Nahyan visits the injured
In Abu Dhabi, UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan visited people injured in the attacks, including expatriates. He met the injured and their family members at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City.

The situation could go out of control. This is the time to put an end to the fighting and start serious diplomatic negotiations
-António Guterres
Secretary General, UN

Iran has effectively surrendered and is no longer a bully in the Middle East. Attacks against Iran would become even stronger.
-Donald Trump
President, US