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

Iran's Mehr news agency on Sunday debunked President Donald Trump's assertion that Tehran had requested the United States to avoid launching additional strikes. The agency cited military officials, stating that the allegation was merely "another falsehood" and that the Iranian armed forces were "on high alert and prepared for any situation".

Trump had claimed on Saturday that the US was "prepared to confront the Islamic republic", but that Tehran and other Middle Eastern nations had implored him to pause any fresh assaults. He announced his decision, contingent upon reaching an agreement with Iran, which would involve the "Immediate, Complete and Total OPENING OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT, and an end to Iran's nuclear threat," according to a post on his Truth Social platform.

On Sunday, Iran's Fars news agency, citing a source in touch with Iranian negotiators, stated that "until the US persists in its hostile actions, the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed". Iran has maintained a blockade on the Hormuz since the onset of the conflict, mandating ships to seek authorization and pay tolls to navigate the waterway.