Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and others in the region have sought closer relations with Iran over recent years in hopes of fostering stability.

The aging leader’s message was defiant but somber, delivered in front of a tan curtain flanked by an Iranian flag and a portrait of his predecessor.

Israel did not immediately confirm any ceasefire agreement, but Iran’s top diplomat said that his country’s military had halted its “response” at 4 a.m. local time.

There was no immediate response from Iran or Israel, and it was unclear if the day’s events would give the U.S. and Iran an off-ramp from their confrontation.

There was no immediate response from Iran or Israel, and it was unclear if the day’s events would give the U.S. and Iran an off-ramp from their confrontation.

It remained to be seen whether the attack would ignite a regional war or provide the U.S. and Iran with an off-ramp from their intensifying confrontation.