Iran’s president has apologized for recent attacks targeting regional countries while continuing to criticize the United States, as tensions escalate across the Middle East.

According to Reuters, the Iranian president said the country’s temporary leadership council had approved suspending attacks on neighboring states unless they launch an attack on Iran first. The statement came amid a wave of Iranian missiles and drones reportedly heading toward Israel and several Gulf Arab states.

Despite the conciliatory tone toward regional countries, Tehran maintained a firm stance against Washington. The Iranian president rejected demands for unconditional surrender made by Donald Trump, who called for Iran to surrender to the United States in a post on social media.

In response, the Iranian leader dismissed the demand, saying it was “a dream that they should take to their grave.”

Meanwhile, the conflict between Iran and Israel intensified overnight. Israeli forces launched fresh strikes on Tehran after Iranian missiles were fired toward Israeli territory. Explosions were heard across the Iranian capital, with Iranian state media reporting that two hospitals were among the sites hit.

European leaders also weighed in on the growing crisis. Germany’s chancellor Friedrich Merz warned that an “endless war” in the region would not be in Europe’s interest and called for efforts to prevent further escalation.