Iran apologizes to neighboring countries, says attacks will stop

TEHRAN — Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian said Saturday that Iran will refrain from launching attacks against neighboring countries unless attacks are carried out against Iran from their territory.Speaking in a televised address to the Iranian people, Pezeshkian said the country’s temporary leadership council had decided to halt strikes on neighboring states.“The temporary leadership council announced yesterday that there will be no more attacks on neighboring countries and no missile launches unless attacks originate from those countries against Iran,” he said, according to Press TV.Pezeshkian also apologized to neighboring countries amid rising regional tensions, saying Iran has “no intention of invading other countries.”At the same time, he rejected expectations that Iran would surrender unconditionally, saying those who hold such hopes “will take their dreams to the grave.”Regional tensions escalated on Feb. 28 when Iran launched missiles and drones toward Israel and several Gulf countries. Some of the attacks caused casualties and damage to civilian sites, including ports and residential buildings.Tehran says the strikes were in response to a U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran that killed hundreds of people, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and senior military officials.