Iran's president apologizes for strikes on neighbors as strikes pound their cities

Iran's president, Masoud Pezeshkian, apologized for recent attacks on regional countries amidst ongoing missile and drone strikes targeting Gulf Arab states, Israel, and Saudi Arabia. This apology highlights a potential lack of full command by the political leadership over Iran's armed forces, particularly the Revolutionary Guard, which appears to be independently selecting targets. Pezeshkian rejected U.S. President Donald Trump's demands for unconditional surrender, calling it a "dream." The conflict, which began with an airstrike on February 28 that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has weakened Iran's leadership and caused global market and air travel disruptions. Despite the president's conciliatory words, further attacks occurred in Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain, leading to flight suspensions and evacuations. The Iranian armed forces spokesman added to the confusion by stating that Iran had not attacked countries that did not provide bases for American invasions. A cleric urged Iran's Assembly of Experts to quickly appoint a new supreme leader due to the ongoing political instability. Meanwhile, the U.S. and Israel continue their intense bombing campaign against Iran, with the U.S. approving a new arms sale to Israel. The war has resulted in significant casualties in Iran, Lebanon, and Israel, and has impacted global energy markets, with Qatar warning of economic collapse. Fighting has also spread to eastern Lebanon, with Hezbollah reporting clashes with Israeli troops.