Iran media denies Trump claim that Tehran asked US not to strike

Iran's state news agency Mehr dismissed President Donald Trump's claim that Tehran had requested the US to refrain from launching new strikes. Military officials quoted by the agency stated that the allegation was a "new lie" and that the Iranian armed forces remained on high alert, prepared for any situation. Trump had suggested on Saturday that the US was prepared to confront the Islamic Republic, but that Tehran and other Middle Eastern nations had asked him to put off further strikes.

He stated his decision was contingent upon reaching an agreement with Iran, which he proposed would involve the full, immediate, and complete opening of the Hormuz Strait and an end to Iran's nuclear threat. Trump expressed these views on Truth Social. Iran's Fars news agency, citing an Iranian negotiator source, stated that as long as the United States persisted with hostile actions, the Hormuz Strait would remain closed.

Iran has imposed a blockade on the strategic waterway since the outbreak of the conflict, requiring ships to seek permission and pay transit fees before utilizing the route.