Iran apologizes to regional neighbors, announces new military doctrine

2026-03-07 - 09:43

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian delivered a televised address on Saturday, offering an unprecedented apology to regional nations for Iran’s recent strikes – signaling a major shift in the country’s rules of military engagement. Pezeshkian characterized the ongoing conflict with the US and Israel as a war “imposed on Tehran.” He revealed that the Provisional Leadership Council, established following the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has issued new directives to the Iranian Armed Forces. Ending “freedom of action” The president stated that the military has been ordered to cease all missile strikes and attacks against neighboring countries, unless those nations are used as a launchpad for attacks against Iran. This marks a departure from the previous “freedom of action” doctrine that allowed for broader regional targeting. “We hold no enmity toward the nations of the region,” Pezeshkian emphasized, asserting that Iran’s primary focus is defending its “territorial integrity.” He added: “We will remain steadfast until our country is guided out of this crisis.” A call for dialogue amid demands for “unconditional surrender” Acknowledging that disputes between nations are natural, Pezeshkian argued that such disagreements are “best addressed through dialogue.” He reassured the Iranian public that the government, people, and military stand as a “single front” dedicated to defending Iranian soil and waters “with all our strength.” “We have prepared ourselves for this war and we will defend our honor,” he said. This diplomatic outreach comes as Pezeshkian revealed on Friday that international mediation efforts are underway to broker a ceasefire. The path to peace remains obstructed by a stark divide in rhetoric. On his Truth Social platform, US President Donald Trump confirmed that Tehran has attempted to initiate contact regarding a potential deal, but maintained a hardline stance – “No deal with Tehran except after an unconditional surrender.”