Iranian authorities confirm they still have the right to retaliate against U.S. attacks originating from military bases in Middle Eastern countries, despite the Iranian president previously apologizing to neighboring countries that were attacked.
On 7 Mar 2026 GMT+7, Iranian authorities announced they would decisively respond to any attacks coming from U.S. military bases in the Middle East, even though President Masoud Pesechkian of Iran had earlier apologized to neighboring countries and pledged to stop attacking them unless Iran was attacked first.
A few hours later, the deputy head of the Iranian presidential office issued a "statement" regarding President Pesechkian’s remarks, following U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim that this was evidence Iran had "surrendered" to its neighbors.
"We will decisively respond to any attacks originating from American bases," the deputy head of the Iranian presidential office stated. "President Pesechkian’s message is clear: if regional countries do not cooperate with America in attacking us, we will not attack them."
Mr. Pesechkian also appeared to want to elaborate on his earlier comments by posting on X that Iran has always sought strong relations with neighboring countries but emphasized that this "does not negate Iran’s legitimate right to self-defense" against attacks by the U.S. and Israel.
"We will stand firm and resist to the last drop of our lives to defend our country," Mr. Pesechkian said. "We do not attack friendly neighboring countries, but we target U.S. military bases, facilities, and assets in the region."
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Source:cnn