Iran Denies Trump's Claim of Request to Avoid Strikes

On Sunday, Iran’s Mehr news agency refuted President Donald Trump's assertion that Iran had asked the United States to avoid new military strikes. The agency, citing military officials, described Trump's claim as “nothing but a new lie,” asserting that the Iranian armed forces are “on high alert and ready for any eventuality.” Trump had stated on Saturday that the U.S. was prepared to act against Iran but indicated that Tehran and other Middle Eastern nations had requested him to delay any new strikes.

He mentioned that any decision would depend on reaching a deal with Iran, which would include the “Immediate, Complete and Total OPENING OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT, and an end to Iran’s nuclear threat.” In response, Iran’s Fars news agency reported that as long as the U.S. continues its hostile actions, the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed. Iran has enforced a blockade on the Strait since the onset of the war, requiring vessels to obtain permission and pay transit fees.