Pezeshkian Says ‘Sorry’ to Neighbors Over Attacks — Hardliners Call It Humiliating Weakness

 The escalating Middle East conflict has intensified with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian facing sharp domestic backlash after issuing a public apology for Iranian missile and drone strikes on neighboring Gulf countries.

By Sahil

Date : 7 March, 2026

In a televised address on March 7, 2026, Pezeshkian stated he personally apologized to affected neighboring countries and noted that Iran’s interim leadership council had approved halting further attacks on Gulf states unless strikes against Iran originated from their territory. He also firmly rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s call for Iran’s “unconditional surrender,” describing it as a “dream that they should take to their grave.”

The apology drew immediate criticism from hardliners, including Revolutionary Guards affiliates and MPs. Hardline cleric and lawmaker Hamid Rasai described it as “unprofessional, weak, and unacceptable.” MP Mohammad Mannan Raeesi called it “humiliating” and suggested Pezeshkian should apologize to the Iranian people instead for undermining national pride.

In response to the uproar, Pezeshkian later posted a revised statement on social media, omitting the explicit apology and asserting that Iran had not targeted “friendly and neighboring countries” in this war—highlighting deep rifts within Iran’s leadership.

Despite the statement, reports indicate missile interceptions continued in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, and Bahrain, raising doubts about civilian control over military actions. The apology seems aimed at preventing a wider regional coalition against Iran amid ongoing U.S.-Israeli strikes, which have entered the conflict’s second week with heavy casualties.

Key ongoing developments:

•  Hundreds reported killed in exchanges.

•  Trump reiterates no deal short of unconditional surrender, with promises to rebuild Iran under new leadership.

•  Mediation efforts by third parties mentioned earlier.

1.  Pezeshkian apology

2.  Iran president apology Gulf

3.  Masoud Pezeshkian apology

4.  Iran hardliners criticism

5.  Iran missile strikes neighbors

6.  Pezeshkian backtracks apology

7.  Iran Gulf states apology backlash

8.  Iran leadership rifts

9.  Pezeshkian apologizes neighbors

10.  Iran war Gulf strikes apology