Iran says no more attacks against neighbouring countries “unless they attack first”

During an address broadcast by Iranian state TV, President Masoud Pezeshkian apologised to the neighbouring countries for attacks launched following US-Israel strikes but asserted that Tehran will not strike “unless they attack first”.

Key quotes

The comments come after Iran launched attacks on Gulf countries hosting US forces with waves of retaliatory missile and drone strikes since the US-Israeli attacks began last Saturday.

Market implications

The Iranian President’s address could be seen as the first step toward de-escalation. However, unless Iranian forces provide some assurance on the safe resumption of commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, market panic and uncertainty are expected to remain high.

The deepening Middle East conflict sent oil prices through the roof, with West Texas Intermediate (WTI) having surged roughly 32% over the week to its highest level since October 2023 at $90.