Iran leaders urge end to war as U.S. prepares tougher sanctions

Iranian leaders have called for an end to the ongoing war, while the United States prepares to impose stricter sanctions. Following Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf's visit to Iraq, the country has granted permission for several Iraqi oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Iraq, which previously produced around 4 million barrels of oil daily, is also exploring alternative export routes via Turkey, Syria, and Jordan.

U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed total control over the Strait of Hormuz and expressed doubts about the feasibility of a deal with Iran under those conditions. He reaffirmed that Iran will never acquire a nuclear weapon.

Meanwhile, Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdel-Aty and Iran's counterpart Abbas Araghchi discussed de-escalation efforts, the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding, and the prospects of reviving it in a phone conversation. Rezaei, Iran's Supreme National Security Council Secretary, stated that the U.S. public does not support a war with Iran and that Iranians remain united behind their armed forces.

He dismissed the notion that Iran would surrender to an economic blockade within two to six months, asserting that Iran has a history of evading sanctions. Rezaei warned that any Gulf state supporting the U.S. economic campaign would be considered an enemy, with no oil leaving the region or the Hormuz Strait. He emphasized that Iran's forces are ready for operations but would act with logical and wise judgment.

If the economic war intensifies, Iran would target U.S. oil and economic companies region-wide, vowing to fiercely defend itself to the last drop of blood.

Additionally, Trump announced new sanctions targeting oil smuggling, financial transfers, exchange houses, ship registries, and front companies, calling it an "Economic D-Day." He urged allies to join in isolating Iran, citing Iran's 350% inflation and unpaid military personnel. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz criticized U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack's remarks as inaccurate and contradictory to Trump's official position, questioning why Iran should endorse an agreement it hasn't seen.