New Delhi: US President Donald Trump on Saturday claimed that Iran has “lost” and apologised to its neighbours in the Middle East after military pressure from the United States and Israel.
Trump made the remarks in a post on Truth Social shortly after Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signalled a possible de escalation in the region.
Earlier on Saturday, Pezeshkian said Iran had instructed its armed forces not to attack neighbouring countries unless Iran itself faces attacks from their territory. He also described Iran’s neighbouring countries as “brothers” and expressed regret over recent tensions.
Pezeshkian said, “We have no intention of attacking neighboring countries.”
Iran signals de escalation
In his remarks, the Iranian president also apologised to neighbouring countries for recent missile strikes linked to the ongoing regional conflict. He said Iran does not seek confrontation with countries in the region.
According to his statement, the Iranian leadership has asked its military to avoid launching attacks against neighbouring states unless Iran comes under direct attack from those territories.
The statement came amid rising tensions following US and Israeli military action against Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory strikes across the Gulf region.
Trump says strikes forced Iran’s response
Responding to Pezeshkian’s comments, Trump claimed that Iran’s assurance to neighbouring countries was the result of sustained military pressure from the United States and Israel.
“Iran, which is being beat to HELL, has apologized and surrendered to its Middle East neighbors, and promised that it will not shoot at them anymore. This promise was only made because of the relentless U.S. and Israeli attack,” Trump wrote in his post.
Trump also claimed that Iran had attempted to dominate the Middle East but had now suffered a historic setback.
He wrote that “It is the first time that Iran has ever lost, in thousands of years, to surrounding Middle Eastern Countries.”
Trump further said that several countries in the region had thanked him after Iran’s statement.
“They have said, “Thank you President Trump.” I have said, “You’re welcome!”” he wrote.
‘Loser of the Middle East’, says Trump
The US President also used strong language to criticise Iran. He said the country was no longer the “Bully of the Middle East”.
Instead, Trump described Iran as “THE LOSER OF THE MIDDLE EAST,” and claimed the country would remain in that position for decades unless it surrendered or collapsed.
Trump also issued a warning of further military action.
“Today Iran will be hit very hard! Under serious consideration for complete destruction and certain death, because of Iran’s bad behavior, are areas and groups of people that were not considered for targeting up until this moment in time. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” he wrote.