Iran claims its forces are 'stronger' than at start of war
TEHERAN: Iran said on Saturday its military had grown stronger since the outset of the war with the United States, as mediators including Qatar worked to prevent any return to fighting after months of deadlock in the conflict.
Iran has declared its military to be stronger than when the Iran-US war began, as diplomats strive to avert a resurgence of hostilities after months of stalemate. President Donald Trump of the United States offered a $20 million reward for intelligence regarding Tehran's nuclear program. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made phone calls to ministers from 12 countries, including US President Donald Trump, who spoke with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Friday to discuss ending the war.
Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani praised efforts by US officials for their genuine intentions to de-escalate the situation and prevent it from escalating further. Iran's Foreign Minister stated that they have prevented the conflict from spiraling out of control thanks to wise voices within the Iranian government.
US President Trump claimed Iran, having suffered severe economic and military damage over the past eight months of war, is eager to reach a deal. The United States has conducted limited strikes on Iran recently but has walked back from the idea of resuming heavy strikes. The Middle East conflict started when the US and Israel attacked Iran in late February, and Iran has been attempting to restrict traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, which carries about one-fifth of global oil consumption.
Iranian army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia stated that the waterway would remain closed until Iran's demands are met by Washington, and that Iran's forces are on higher alert and stronger than they were at the beginning of the war.
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