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Temporary Leadership Governs Amid Crisis

Until the succession becomes official, Iran is being governed by a temporary three-member leadership council, which includes President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Over the weekend, Pezeshkian attempted to recalibrate Iran’s relationship with Gulf states, issuing an apology for Iranian strikes that had targeted infrastructure in neighboring countries.

He suggested Iran would halt such attacks if Gulf nations prevented their territory from being used as launch points for operations against Iran.

The move followed mediation efforts by Russia, and initial expectations suggested at least two Gulf governments might respond positively.

But Pezeshkian’s diplomatic gesture quickly encountered resistance inside Iran.

Internal critics condemned the approach, and continued Iranian attacks on Gulf targets undermined any immediate diplomatic progress.

Trump also criticized the move on social media, calling it a humiliating surrender — remarks that further weakened Pezeshkian’s position domestically.

Iranian Military Rejects Diplomatic Overture

Iran’s armed forces swiftly contradicted the president’s proposal.

Military leaders insisted that U.S. bases in the Gulf remain legitimate targets, framing the conflict as an existential war of self-defense.

So far, officials say roughly 10,000 civilian buildings inside Iran have been damaged during the conflict.

The army also rejected Pezeshkian’s claim that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had been firing missiles without restraint.

In a televised interview, Ali Larijani clarified Tehran’s position toward Gulf neighbors.

“We have told our neighbours and we repeat: if a base is to be provided to the Americans from your soil to attack Iran from there, it is our undisputed right to respond to those bases,” Larijani said.

He added that countries in the region cannot claim friendship with Iran while allowing foreign military bases to launch attacks against it.

Expanding Conflict and Strategic Warnings

Military sources indicate Iran may broaden its strikes against U.S. assets in the Gulf in retaliation for American attacks on Iranian oil refineries and fuel depots.

Meanwhile, Tehran has introduced measures to limit domestic fuel consumption, reducing the maximum daily use of petrol while assuring citizens that supply remains stable.

Iranian officials have also avoided denying reports that Russia is providing intelligence assistance during the conflict.

Western diplomats say Iran’s capacity to launch drone and missile strikes shows little sign of weakening.

They warn that the large buildup of military forces across the region suggests the United States is not preparing for a rapid declaration of victory.

Larijani expressed confidence that Iranian society remains united behind the government.

He dismissed Trump’s suggestion that Iran could fragment into ethnic regions, saying such efforts would be rejected by the Iranian people, including Kurdish communities.