Iran warns against return to conflict after US strikes

US President Donald Trump announced that the United States executed strikes on Iran, while Iran cautioned that no party would profit from a resurgence in hostilities. Trump downplayed predictions of another bombing campaign, stating, "We seem to be getting everything we want, I'm ready, we're ready. We're locked and loaded if we need to go, but there may be no reason for it."

Iran's chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, declared Iran to be "ready for battle with its finger on the trigger," whereas Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi affirmed Iran's right to "legitimate self-defense" in response to the strikes. Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian reiterated his government's commitment to resolving the crisis through dialogue, emphasizing that "no one will benefit from this war" if it resumed.

The president highlighted that Iran's supreme leader had recently granted the government expanded powers to negotiate matters previously deemed off-limits. Trump confirmed the strikes on Iran's Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, describing it as a "minor attack." The conflict, which began in February with simultaneous US and Israeli assaults on Iran, has been stagnant for months.

An Israeli military official clarified that Israel played no role in the latest strikes. Immediately following the news of the strikes, Trump hinted at a potential deal with Iran, but the ball was now in America's court to prevent war. Qatar, serving as a mediator in the tense negotiations between the US and Iran, expressed optimism about an interim deal, stating that both sides were reviewing the ideas and proposals put forth.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that indirect talks were underway. The US Vice President, JD Vance, expressed optimism about securing an agreement, noting that progress had been made. Iran proposed reopening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz within two days, contingent on the US agreeing to its demands, which included ending the war, unfreezing Iranian assets, lifting oil sanctions, and halting its blockade of Iranian ports.

Iranian officials have consistently threatened severe repercussions should the US rekindle the conflict.