Iran Announces Suspension of Attacks on Gulf States: "No Hostility Toward Neighboring Countries"

by Lee Dongwoo

Published 07 Mar.2026 18:18(KST)

On March 7 (local time), Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian apologized to Gulf countries that suffered damage during Iran's counterattack and announced a suspension of attacks.

According to AFP, AP, and other sources, President Pezeshkian stated in a national television address that "the Interim Leadership Council has approved a plan to halt attacks on neighboring countries, provided that those countries do not attack Iran."

Yonhap News Agency

He reiterated, "Iran harbors no hostility toward countries in the region," once again expressing his apologies to the Gulf states.

Following attacks by the United States and Israel, Iran had launched retaliatory strikes targeting U.S. military facilities and assets in the Gulf region, including Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). However, civilian casualties occurred during these operations, prompting growing criticism from the international community. Iran has consistently maintained that its targets were not the Gulf countries themselves, but rather U.S. bases and assets within those territories.

Some observers interpret the decision to halt attacks as a move prompted by the possibility of military responses from Gulf countries and concerns over expanded military support from Europe.

In fact, Gulf nations such as the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain, which suffered significant damage from Iran's attacks, are reportedly considering military response measures. Major European countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy, have already formalized plans to provide military support to the U.S. and the Gulf region, citing the protection of their nationals and military bases.

Meanwhile, President Pezeshkian strongly rejected the United States' demand for "unconditional surrender." He declared, "The surrender of the Iranian people, which our enemies desire, will never happen," adding, "They will have to take that wish to their graves."

Previously, former President Donald Trump pressed Iran via his social media the day before, stating, "There is no deal with Iran except 'unconditional surrender.'"