Iran Announces Halt to Missile Strikes Against Neighboring Countries

Iran's temporary governing council has issued a decree to cease missile and drone strikes against neighboring nations, unless those countries initiate aggression against the Islamic Republic. President Masoud Pezeshkian announced the decision, framing it as a step toward regional peace.

"The council decided yesterday to no longer launch strikes or missiles at neighboring countries, except in cases where they attack Iran," stated President Pezeshkian. "We have said many times that they are our brothers. We must jointly establish peace and stability in the region." The president also extended apologies for previous military actions.

Pezeshkian emphasized that Iran's armed forces had taken necessary defensive measures against potential attacks from the United States and Israel. He urged for diplomatic resolutions to existing conflicts, warning regional actors against becoming "toys of Washington and Tel Aviv."

The announcement follows a period of heightened tensions. On February 28, the U.S. And Israel initiated a large-scale operation aimed at preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Washington had threatened to destroy Iran's navy and defense industry.

In response to those earlier threats, Iran had conducted strikes targeting Israeli territory and American military assets across the Middle East, with operations extending into several Gulf states including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Kuwait.