Iran won't escalate tensions but will defend itself, says Pezeshkian amid Trump's warning
Iran states it will defend its security while the US president claims a last chance for a deal. Conflicting reports emerge regarding ongoing negotiations between Iran and the United States. Shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz remains subdued amid these diplomatic claims. Iran's IRGC reportedly launched a drone attack on a US military base in Kuwait. Tehran also prepared retaliatory…
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared on Monday that Tehran aims to avoid escalating regional tensions, yet will utilize all available means to safeguard the nation's security, interests, and territorial integrity. This stance was outlined by Iranian state broadcaster Press TV. Pezeshkian's comments followed US President Donald Trump's assertion that Iran had been granted a "last chance" to negotiate a deal.
The US leader had briefly suspended a planned large-scale military strike after receiving appeals from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Iran to reconsider hostilities. Trump claimed that the discussions were at Iran's request and backed by several countries, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar. He also alleged that Iran had previously denied negotiations despite interacting with American officials.
However, Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, refuted Trump's claims, asserting that Tehran was not engaged in any negotiations with the United States and that the ongoing discussions centered around restoring navigation through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. Baghaei emphasized that this arrangement, while necessary, would not be sufficient to fully reopen the waterway. Tensions between the two nations persist despite these diplomatic claims.
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