US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that Iran has “lost”. He also said Iran has “surrendered to Middle East neighbours” and apologised to them. Trump made the claim hours after Iran signalled that it wanted to reduce tensions in the region.

Iran apologises to neighbouring countries

Earlier on Saturday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian apologised to neighbouring countries for recent attacks. He said Iran does not want conflict with countries in the region. He also issued clear orders to the armed forces.

Pezeshkian said Iranian forces must “not to attack or launch missiles at neighbouring countries unless attacked from there.” He described neighbouring nations as close partners.

Pezeshkian called them “brothers” and said, “We have no intention of attacking neighbouring countries."

Iran rejects US demand for surrender

Pezeshkian also responded to pressure from Washington. He said the United States wants Iran to surrender without conditions. He rejected that demand.

Pezeshkian said it was a “dream that they should take to their grave.”

Fighting continues in the region

Tensions remain high across the region. Iranian attacks continue to target Gulf Arab states. At the same time, the United States and Israel continue strikes inside Iran.

The fighting has raised fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East.