President Masoud Pezeshkian signals pause in regional strikes amid escalating US–Israel conflict
March 7, 2026: Masoud Pezeshkian, President of Iran, has apologised to neighbouring countries and announced that Tehran will suspend attacks against them unless strikes on Iran originate from their territory. The statement, reported by Reuters and Agence France-Presse, suggests an effort by Tehran to ease regional tensions following the escalation triggered by recent strikes from the United States and Israel. According to Pezeshkian, Iran’s interim leadership council has approved a decision to halt missile and drone attacks targeting neighbouring states.
Despite signalling restraint, the Iranian president said the country would not surrender in its confrontation with Israel and the United States. His remarks came after the recent strikes that reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei along with hundreds of others. Pezeshkian said Iran would continue to defend itself and resist external pressure, stressing that calls for the surrender of the Iranian people would never succeed.
Meanwhile, tensions remain high across the Gulf region. Residents in Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates reported hearing explosions and air defence activity as drones and missiles were intercepted. Authorities also temporarily suspended operations at Dubai International Airport after what officials described as a minor security incident, with the Dubai Media Office stating the move was taken to ensure passenger safety.