Iran will halt strikes on neighbours unless attacks originate there

TEHRAN: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Saturday that its temporary leadership council had approved the suspension of attacks against neighbouring countries unless an attack on Iran came from those countries.

The announcement came as Iran continued to launch attacks in the region in response to US-Israeli strikes on the Islamic Republic.

Pezeshkian, however, warned neighbouring countries against allowing their territory to be used for attacks on Iran, after Gulf states urged Washington to curb Iran’s military capabilities.

In a statement posted on social media platform X, Pezeshkian said Iran would respond strongly if its infrastructure or economic centres were targeted, and cautioned regional states against enabling what he described as hostile actions against Tehran.

“We have said many times that Iran does not carry out pre-emptive attacks, but we will retaliate strongly if our infrastructure or economic centres are targeted,” Pezeshkian said. “To the countries of the region: if you want development and security, do not let our enemies run the war from your lands.”

His remarks came after Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states reportedly called on the United States to go beyond securing a ceasefire and instead take steps to limit Iran’s military capabilities, amid heightened tensions across the Middle East.

According to earlier statements cited in regional media, Iran has continued to target US facilities, military bases and interests across Gulf countries in response to strikes carried out by the United States and Israel.

The situation has raised concerns among Gulf states, which host significant US military assets, including energy infrastructure and bases that could be vulnerable in the event of further escalation.

Reports said an Iranian strike on a Saudi air base injured at least 15 US personnel, some seriously, though there was no independent confirmation of the extent of the damage.

The latest exchange of warnings underscores the fragile security environment in the region, with Gulf states seeking to prevent spillover while Iran maintains its right to retaliate against aggression.