Iran Says It Will Halt Strikes on Neighbours Unless Attacks Originate from Their Territory
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian announced that neighbouring countries will no longer be targeted by Iranian strikes unless attacks originate from their territory, as the war with the United States and Israel enters its second week.
The conditional ceasefire follows days of Iranian retaliatory strikes across the Gulf region targeting US military assets and installations. Pezeshkian clarified that Iran has not attacked its neighbours but has rather "targeted US military bases, facilities, and installations in the region."
The president stated that Iran's interim leadership council approved the decision and apologised to neighbouring countries for recent strikes. However, analysts suggest the announcement holds limited weight, with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) now fully responsible for strategic military decisions during what Tehran views as a war of survival.
An IRGC statement emphasised respect for neighbouring countries' sovereignty while warning that "all military bases and interests of criminal America and the fake Zionist regime" across the region would be targeted if hostile actions continue.
The statement coincides with increased regional tensions as Gulf Cooperation Council nations—including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman—have been caught in the crossfire due to US assets within their borders. Iraq, Jordan, Azerbaijan, and Turkey have also experienced spillover effects.
President Donald Trump has threatened to escalate bombing, posting on Truth Social that "Iran will be hit very hard" and suggesting areas previously not considered for targeting could face "complete destruction." Trump also claimed US forces "knocked out" 42 Iranian warships in three days.
The conflict has caused significant disruption to regional energy infrastructure, with Qatar's Energy Minister warning that Gulf exports could cease "within weeks" if the war continues, potentially triggering global economic impacts.
Iran has suffered over 1,200 deaths in the first week of US-Israeli attacks, while six US personnel were killed in an Iranian strike on a Kuwait command centre.