Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian publicly apologized to neighboring Gulf states for recent missile attacks, pledging no further strikes unless Iran faces assaults from their soil. Speaking on state TV, he represented the interim leadership council’s decision to halt aggression, while vowing Tehran “will not surrender” to US and Israeli pressure.
Trigger: Khamenei’s Death and Retaliatory Barrage
The escalation followed US-Israel “Operation Epic Fury” airstrikes on February 28, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, his wife, daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter after failed nuclear talks. Iran retaliated with waves of ballistic missiles and drones targeting US interests in UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi), Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and possibly Saudi Aramco—disrupting world’s busiest airport, Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab, and Al Udeid base.
Damage Across Gulf States
UAE intercepted most of 137 missiles and 209 drones but reported injuries near Dubai airport, fires at US consulate, and shrapnel deaths; Bahrain’s Fifth Fleet hit directly. Qatar downed 14 missiles and 4 drones with injuries; Saudi defenses thwarted attacks on Ras Tanura refinery and US bases. Saudi Defence Minister warned Iran against “miscalculation.”
De-Escalation Bid and Defiance
Pezeshkian’s address reassures no hostility unless provoked, aiming to contain the week-long conflict. Tehran denies some strikes like Aramco but frames actions as vengeance; regional airspace closures and oil disruptions persist.
