Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has clarified that his recent comments regarding attacks in the Gulf region were misinterpreted, emphasising that Iran does not seek conflict with neighbouring countries. Speaking on state television, Pezeshkian said Iran values strong relations with regional states and has no intention of creating divisions or hostility with its neighbours.

The clarification followed earlier remarks in which Pezeshkian apologised to Gulf countries affected by Iranian strikes targeting US military facilities in the region. He had urged neighbouring nations not to join the US-Israel campaign against Iran and stated that Tehran’s temporary leadership council had agreed to suspend attacks on nearby states unless strikes against Iran originated from their territory.

Those comments sparked debate within Iran, particularly among hardline factions, prompting officials to clarify that the country’s military would continue to respond firmly to any attacks launched from US bases in the region. Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said there was no disagreement among Iranian leaders about the country’s war strategy.

Meanwhile, tensions continue to rise as the conflict between Iran and Israel enters its second week. Israeli forces have carried out fresh strikes across Iran, while Tehran has launched missile and drone attacks targeting Israeli and US-linked facilities. Reports indicate heavy civilian casualties in Iran, while Israeli authorities have also confirmed deaths from Iranian attacks.

The conflict has spread across West Asia, with drone strikes reported over Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have also claimed responsibility for targeting US forces at a military base in Bahrain. At the same time, Israel has intensified airstrikes on Hezbollah strongholds in Lebanon, warning the Lebanese government of severe consequences if militant groups continue attacks.

The escalating conflict has raised fears of a wider regional war and has also affected global energy markets, with disruptions in the Gulf pushing oil prices to multi-year highs and forcing several producers to cut output.