Iran Denies ‘Surrender’ Claim as Middle East Strikes Continue

Tensions in the Middle East remain high as military strikes, drone interceptions, and diplomatic statements continue amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.

On Sunday, Masoud Pezeshkian said his earlier comments had been “misinterpreted”, responding to claims by Donald Trump that Iran had surrendered to its regional neighbours.

According to Iranian state television, Pezeshkian said his remarks were misunderstood by opponents seeking to create divisions between Iran and neighbouring countries. He reiterated that Iran seeks friendly relations with regional states but would respond to attacks when necessary.

Missile and Drone Attacks Reported

Several countries in the Gulf region reported new aerial attacks and interceptions during the ongoing conflict.

Authorities in Kuwait said three ballistic missiles were intercepted, while firefighters were working to control two fires at fuel storage tanks near Kuwait International Airport, reportedly caused by drone strikes.

Saudi Arabia’s defence ministry also said its air defence systems intercepted three drones near the capital Riyadh. Earlier, officials had reported that more than a dozen drones targeting the region had been neutralised.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reportedly launched another wave of strikes targeting US and Israeli installations across West Asia. Iranian media described the operation as part of the “27th wave” of retaliatory attacks.

Casualties and Damage

Kuwait’s interior ministry confirmed that two border personnel were killed while on duty during the escalation.

Meanwhile, reports cited by international media suggested that the death toll in Iran has exceeded 1,300 people since the conflict began last week. The United Nations refugee agency also reported that around 100,000 people have been displaced as residents flee affected areas.

Oil Facilities and Infrastructure Hit

Iranian officials accused the United States and Israel of targeting key infrastructure during recent strikes.

Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said attacks had hit oil depots and a desalination plant on Qeshm Island, claiming that water supplies in several villages were affected.

Earlier reports also indicated that Israeli strikes targeted an oil storage facility in Tehran, causing large fires that lit up the night sky.

International Reactions

Regional organisations and international leaders have reacted with concern over the expanding conflict.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) condemned the attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait, calling them “dangerous acts of aggression” that threaten regional security and stability.

Meanwhile, China’s foreign minister Wang Yi said the conflict “should never have happened” and urged all parties to stop military operations and return to negotiations.

Ongoing Tensions

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would continue military operations against Iran as part of its broader security strategy.

The situation continues to evolve as missile launches, air strikes, and diplomatic reactions unfold across the region.