Trumps remarks came on a day of Israel and Iran trading numerous attacks as the Middle East war entered a second week. Iran's president apologised to neighbouring states to cool anger across the Gulf but stirred criticism from hardliners at home. "I personally apologise to neighbouring countries that were affected by Iran’s actions,” Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said, urging them not to join US-Israeli attacks on Iran. Tehran has responded to the US-Israeli war on Iran by hitting Israel and Gulf Arab states hosting US military installations. Hardline clerics have called for the swift selection of a new supreme leader, Iranian media reported on Saturday, with meetings occurring as soon as Sunday.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 08, 2026 01:29 UTC