Iran war news: Hardliners pillory Iranian president after apology to neighbours over attacks

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has sparked a backlash from hardliners at home with his apology to neighbouring countries for attacks in recent days.

Critics in Iran immediately accused Pezeshkian of showing weakness, hurting national pride and damaging the country.

Conservative MP Jalal Rashidi Koochi wrote on X: “With all due respect, Mr President, an apology is made when a mistake has been made ... But we have not made a mistake.”

The MP accused the president of lacking authority in his message, which he said was weak in terms of text, expression and body language.

Pezeshkian had apologised in a video message broadcast by state media for Iran’s attacks on neighbouring countries since the US-Israeli strikes on Iran began a week ago.

The subsequent Iranian missile and drone launches were “the result of the chaotic situation following the deaths of several high-ranking commanders, when the armed forces were leaderless and had to act independently,” he said.

His remarks imply that no attacks on Iran should originate from US military bases in the region.

Mohammad Mannan Raeesi, an MP considered to be a hardliner, wrote on X: “Your strange apology to neighbouring countries has caused widespread regret ... The attacks by our armed forces give no cause for such a humiliating apology on your part.”

Mannan Raeesi called on Pezeshkian to “immediately apologise to the people for this humiliating attitude”.

The Raja News website, which is considered Islamist, wrote: “The president’s latest television address shows that the government’s circle of advisers is still pursuing a begging diplomacy”.

A speech that was supposed to be a symbol of resistance unfortunately became a broadcast of signals of weakness, the portal wrote, urging: “Just take the microphone away from him.”