Iran is halting attacks on neighboring countries unless they launch strikes first: President

ISTANBUL

Iran’s president said Saturday that his country will refrain from attacking neighboring states unless attacks are launched against Iran from their territory, state-run Press TV reported.

“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,” Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised address to the Iranian people.

He also apologized to neighboring countries amid rising regional tensions, saying Iran has “no intention of invading other countries.”

Pezeshkian also dismissed expectations that Iran would surrender unconditionally, saying that those who nurse such hopes “will take their dreams to the grave.”

Iran on Feb. 28 launched missiles and drones toward Israel and Gulf countries that are home to US military assets. Some of the attacks have caused casualties and damage to civilian sites, including ports and residential buildings.

Tehran says the attacks came in response to a US-Israeli military campaign against Iran that has killed hundreds of people, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and top military officials.