Iran's President Says His Remarks 'Misinterpreted By Enemy' Amid Stir Over His Apology

Last Updated:March 08, 2026, 15:51 IST

Pezeshkian caused a stir with an unusual apology to the neighbouring countries for Iranian attacks over the past week in retaliation for the US-Israeli strikes

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday clarified that his previous remarks on attacks on Gulf neighbours were “misinterpreted by the enemy that seeks to sow division with neighbours," according to state media reports.

Pezeshkian had earlier issued an unusual apology to the neighbouring countries for Iranian attacks over the past week in retaliation for the US-Israeli strikes on February 28, saying that Tehran would suspend military actions in the Gulf if unattacked. However, US President Donald Trump cast the apology as a surrender, forcing his office to reiterate that Iran’s military will firmly respond to attacks from US bases in the region.

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Emphasising the importance of fraternal ties, Pezeshkian said, “It has repeatedly been said we are brothers and must have good relations with neighbours." However, he maintained a stance of defensive necessity, noting that Tehran is “forced to retaliate to attacks" but clarified that this does not imply a dispute with neighbouring countries or a desire to “upset their people."

His comments came after Trump claimed on social media that Iran had “lost" and “surrendered to Middle East neighbours." The US president also called Iran the “loser of the Middle East" and warned of more strikes.

Stir Over Pezeshkian’s Apology

Earlier, Pezeshkian apologised to neighbouring countries for waves of Iranian attacks, saying Tehran would avoid striking regional states unless assaults on Iran originated from their territory. “I apologise… to the neighbouring countries that were attacked by Iran," Pezeshkian said in a speech broadcast by state television.

However, his apology left hardliners, including the powerful Revolutionary Guards, fuming with anger. Taking to X, hardline cleric and lawmaker Hamid Rasai said, “Mr Pezeshkian, your stance was unprofessional, weak and unacceptable."

ALSO READ: Stir Over Iran President’s Apology Exposes Divisions In Leadership As War Pressure Mounts

Meanwhile, the judiciary chief and a member of the three-man council that holds the powers of the supreme leader, Mohseni-Ejei, said that territories of some regional countries were being used to strike Iran and that retaliatory strikes would continue. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards announced that they had struck a US air combat centre at Al Dhafra Air Base, near Abu Dhabi.

News world Iran's President Says His Remarks 'Misinterpreted By Enemy' Amid Stir Over His Apology

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