Iranian President says remarks 'misinterpreted' as Gulf strikes continue

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian said his remarks were "misinterpreted by the enemy that seeks to sow division with neighbours", state TV reported on Sunday.

During an address delivered on Saturday, Pezeshkian said: "I deem it necessary to apologise to neighbouring countries that were attacked. We do not intend to invade neighbouring countries."

Pezeshkian also said the country’s interim leadership council had asked Iranian forces to stop attacking Gulf states unless his country is attacked from their territory.

The comments were viewed as a decision to suspend attacks on Gulf countries, however strikes did not stop.

"It has repeatedly been said we are brothers and must have good relations with neighbours. However, we are forced to retaliate to attacks but this does not mean we have a dispute with a (neighbouring) country or want to upset their people," Pezeshkian said on Sunday.