Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian says Tehran will stop targeting neighbouring countries unless attacks against Iran are launched from their territory. The announcement comes as the war involving the United States, Israel, and Iran enters its second week, with tensions spreading across the Gulf region.
Iran Signals Conditional Halt to Regional Strikes
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian announced that Tehran will no longer strike neighbouring countries unless military attacks against Iran originate from those locations. The decision was approved by Iran’s interim leadership council on Friday and was announced publicly on Saturday.
Pezeshkian also apologised to neighbouring nations for the strikes that occurred during the early days of the conflict.
Gulf States Previously Targeted
Several countries across the Gulf region have been hit by Iranian retaliatory strikes due to the presence of U.S. military assets on their territory. Nations affected include Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman.
Other countries including Iraq, Jordan, Azerbaijan, and Turkiye have also faced security threats or been caught in the crossfire as the conflict expanded across the region.
Regional Disruptions and Security Concerns
The attacks have caused significant disruption across the Gulf. Airspace closures, flight delays, and damage to infrastructure have been reported, while oil and gas production has been affected.
Smoke was seen rising over Bahrain’s financial district after an Iranian drone was intercepted near buildings housing diplomatic missions.
Energy Markets Face Global Impact
Qatar’s Energy Minister Saad al-Kaabi warned that continued escalation of the war could halt energy exports from the Gulf region within weeks. Such a disruption could have major consequences for global energy markets and economic growth.
He warned that rising energy prices and shortages could trigger supply chain disruptions and affect factories worldwide.
Rising Casualties in the War
The conflict has already caused heavy casualties. More than 1,200 people in Iran have been killed in U.S. and Israeli strikes during the first week of fighting.
The only reported U.S. fatalities so far occurred when Iran targeted a U.S. command centre in Kuwait, killing six personnel.