"We do not intend to invade neighboring countries," he added.

　　Pezeshkian later said on Sunday that his remarks were "misinterpreted by the ⁠enemy that seeks to sow division ⁠with neighbors", according to state TV, reported Al Jazeera.

　　The response came after US President Donald Trump"s post on Truth Social on local time Saturday, which claimed Iran"s apology as sign of "surrender" to its Gulf neighbors, crediting sustained US-Israeli attacks.

　　Apologies between states are rare, particularly during active conflict, and the wording stood out. Leaders usually express "regret" or distance themselves from responsibility, the BBC said in its report on Saturday.

　　Liu Zhongmin, a professor at the Middle East Studies Institute of Shanghai International Studies University, believes that the Iranian president"s statement reflects the inherent duality of its military actions. Unable to strike the US mainland, Iran has no choice but to target US bases, embassies, and other assets in the Middle East. However, this approach carries severe negative consequences, namely worsening relations with Gulf countries.

　　Therefore, Iran has proactively sought understanding from Gulf states through an apology, he told the Global Times. "From Iran"s perspective, it must carefully consider its own geopolitical environment. Particularly since restoring ties with Saudi Arabia in 2023, improving relations with Gulf countries has been a key direction in Iranian diplomacy, aimed at optimizing its external surroundings."

　　Also, in a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed the US does not need UK sending two aircraft carriers to the Middle East any more, while calling out Prime Minister Starmer by saying that "We don"t need people that join Wars after we"ve already won!"