Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian announced Tehran would halt attacks on Gulf neighbors under certain conditions, marking the first significant de-escalatory message since the conflict began. The statement came moments after Iran launched some of its largest strikes, firing 16 ballistic missiles and 121 drones at the United Arab Emirates alone. The attacks coincided with the one-week anniversary of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's killing in US-Israeli strikes.

Pezeshkian apologized to Gulf states for days of strikes that have sparked panic in areas once considered safe. The reformist leader has issued multiple public apologies during his tenure for economic deterioration, protester killings, and government inefficiencies. He claimed Iran's armed forces acted independently to defend the homeland, a recurring justification from Iranian leaders for targeting Gulf cities. The announcement brought relief across Gulf Arab states, though projectiles flew overhead shortly after his speech.

The de-escalation offer came with a major caveat: Iran would retaliate if Gulf territories hosting US military bases are used to launch attacks against Iran. Pezeshkian's office stated Tehran would give a decisive response to any aggression from American bases. The announcement comes amid a leadership vacuum following Khamenei's assassination, with Pezeshkian joining a three-member interim council to manage wartime affairs.