In the midst of the war between Iran, Israel, and the United States, President Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran has said that the country will not attack or target any of the neighbouring countries unless the attacks on Iran originate from their soil.
Iran Halts Attacks on Regional Countries
In his televised address, President Masoud Pezeshkian said that the interim leadership council of the country had approved the policy of halting attacks on regional countries. As per the new policy, no missiles will be launched on the neighbouring countries unless they are used as a platform for attacking Iran.
In his address, the Iranian president also apologized to the neighbouring countries that were targeted during the retaliatory strikes by Iran. He said that the country does not want to be at war with these countries, even in the midst of the war with Israel and the United States.
Context: Escalating Regional War
The announcement has come at a time of an escalating regional war following the coordinated strikes by the US and Israel on Iranian military targets. Iran has retaliated with missile strikes, which have raised concerns of a possible Middle East war.
Some Gulf countries, such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain, had reported being affected by Iranian strikes, which had heightened the threat of a regional war.
Attempt to Prevent Wider War
The announcement has been made to appease Gulf countries and prevent them from joining the war, which could potentially make the conflict much larger.
Iran has, however, been quick to announce that it would retaliate against the US and Israeli military strikes.
