Iran Announces Halt to Military Strikes on Neighboring Countries

Iran's temporary governing council has issued a decree to cease military strikes against neighboring nations, except in cases of aggression against Iranian territory. President Masoud Pezeshkian announced the decision, framing it as a step toward regional peace.

"The council decided yesterday to no longer carry out strikes or launch missiles at neighboring countries, unless they attack Iran," stated President Pezeshkian. He emphasized the fraternal bonds with neighboring states and called for joint efforts to establish stability in the region. The president also offered an apology for previous actions.

Pezeshkian explained that Iran's armed forces had been taking 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 "pawns 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 issued threats targeting Iran's navy and defense industry.

In response to those earlier operations, Iran had conducted strikes on Israeli territory and American military facilities across the Middle East, affecting several countries including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Kuwait.