Iran says its people are ‘professional chess players’ in dealing with the US

Iran's officials have dubbed the country's citizens as "professional chess players" when it comes to negotiations with the United States, following US President Donald Trump's comments about viewing the talks as a strategic game. The statement was made by Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei, who noted that Iranians have demonstrated such skills despite facing economic hardships and high inflation.

Trump appeared to ease tension by suggesting he was "low-keying it" with Iran, opting for economic pressure instead of military action after Iran published a list of conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The strategic waterway, which carries a fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas, has been largely closed since the US and Israel initiated their war on Iran in late February.

Iran has since laid out demands for an end to the war and aggression against the country, as well as the lifting of a US counterblockade of its ports and the release of frozen assets. Iranian officials remain wary of any new security pact between Pakistan, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, asserting it appears to be a move against Iran rather than for regional stability.

Meanwhile, tensions are rising between Israel and the US as Washington seeks to reduce hostilities in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran.