On Saturday, March 7, 2026, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian issued a series of statements balancing defiant defense rhetoric with efforts to contain the escalating US-Israeli war against Iran, now in its second week. Posting on X and in a televised address, Pezeshkian described facilities in the region used to launch attacks against Iran as “legitimate targets” for defensive operations, while emphasizing Iran's commitment to friendly relations with neighboring governments based on “good neighborliness and mutual respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
Pezeshkian asserted that Iran's “inherent right to defend itself against military aggression by the United States and the Zionist regime (Israel)” remains intact, declaring, “We stand to the death in defense of our country and resist.” He clarified that defensive actions are directed solely at “targets and facilities that are the origin and source of aggressive actions against the Iranian nation,” which he labeled “legitimate targets.” He reiterated that Iran has not attacked friendly neighboring countries directly, but rather focused on “American military bases, facilities, and installations in the region.”
Earlier in the day, Pezeshkian announced via state-run Press TV that the Interim Leadership Council—established following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the initial US-Israeli strikes on February 28—had decided Iran would refrain from attacking neighboring states unless assaults on Iran originate from their territory. He personally apologized to affected neighbors, stating Iran has “no intention of invading other countries” and expressing regret for any unintended impacts from prior operations.
These remarks follow reports of Iranian missile and drone barrages targeting US military assets in Gulf countries hosting American forces, including bases in Qatar (Al Udeid), Kuwait, Bahrain, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan, as well as strikes on Israeli cities. Some attacks have caused casualties among US personnel, civilian damage in Gulf states (including ports and residential areas), and infrastructure disruptions like airport closures and oil field threats. Qatar's defense forces intercepted a drone targeting Al Udeid, home to thousands of US troops.
The conflict originated with coordinated US-Israeli large-scale airstrikes on February 28, 2026, under operations described as targeting Iran's nuclear program, missile capabilities, naval assets, and leadership. Casualties from these strikes exceeded 1,000, including Khamenei, senior military officials, and over 150 schoolgirls in collateral damage near military sites. Iran retaliated with waves of missiles and drones under what it calls Operation True Promise iterations, hitting US bases, diplomatic facilities, and Israeli urban centers.
Pezeshkian's messaging aligns with parallel statements from Iran's armed forces, including the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, which affirmed respect for neighbors' sovereignty but vowed continued “powerful and heavy strikes” on US and Israeli military assets “on land, sea, and air in the region” if aggression persists. Spokesperson Major General Abulfazl Shekarchi emphasized that only entities facilitating US or Israeli operations have been targeted.
The president's stance reflects internal tensions: hardline elements, including parliamentary figures like Ebrahim Azizi, have declared “no red lines” and labeled all US-Israeli bases legitimate targets without qualification. Pezeshkian's apology and conditional restraint appear aimed at de-escalating with Gulf Arab states wary of spillover, while rejecting US President Donald Trump's demands for unconditional surrender—Pezeshkian called such expectations a “dream that they should take to their grave.”
US officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, have described operations as “laser-focused” on destroying Iranian missile production, navy, and nuclear infrastructure, rejecting notions of an “endless war” or regime change. Israel claims near-complete air superiority after degrading over 80% of Iran's air defenses. Oil prices have surged amid risks to the Strait of Hormuz.
Pezeshkian's dual approach—defending Iran's right to strike “legitimate” US-linked targets while apologizing and limiting scope—highlights Tehran's strategy to sustain resistance without provoking a broader regional coalition against it. As exchanges continue, international concerns mount over potential miscalculations drawing in more actors.
