“I personally apologise to neighbouring countries that were affected by Iran’s actions,” said Masoud Pezeshkian, calling them “our brothers” and urging them not to join attacks on his nation.
Later in the day, US President Donald Trump threatened to expand targets and claimed that a beleaguered Tehran has “apologised and surrendered to its Middle East neighbours.”
Pezeshkian – who sits on the three-man interim leadership council after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed – said, “The idea that we would surrender unconditionally – they must take such a dream to the grave.”
However, he also said he’s told the military not to attack any nation that isn’t striking the Islamic Republic, adding, “I think we should solve this through diplomacy.”
Potus Vows to Hit Hard
General Abolfazl Shekarchi, Iran’s armed forces spokesman, then added confusion by saying Tehran has “not hit countries that did not provide space for America to invade our country.”
Iran has a so-called “mosaic” defence strategy, designed such that the military can operate even if senior figures are killed and communications are difficult. It includes giving military units more power to make decisions independently.Trump, in a social media post, spoke of Tehran’s surrender or complete collapse, saying, “Today Iran will be hit very hard!”
Late on Saturday, Iran’s Parliament Speaker said an attack on a desalination plant had been carried out with support from an airbase in a neighbouring nation, and vowed a “proportionate response.” Earlier in the day, missiles from Iran had people heading to bomb shelters across Israel and loud booms sounded in Jerusalem.
Saudi Arabia intercepted drones that were heading toward a major oil field, the latest energy asset to be targeted in a conflict that’s triggered a surge in crude and gas prices. The country stepped up direct engagement with Tehran in a bid to de-escalate tensions, according to several European officials.
Sirens sounded in Bahrain too, while in Dubai, several blasts were heard and the government said it had activated air defences, even as it suspended flights.
