Trump Says Iran Asked for No Strikes; Tehran’s Media Fires Back “Not So Fast”

Iranian media has rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim that Tehran and other countries in West Asia asked Washington to refrain from launching fresh strikes against Iran, describing the allegation as false. Citing military officials, Iranian state media said the claim was “nothing but a new lie” and maintained that Iran’s armed forces remained “on high alert and ready for any eventuality.” The remarks came after Trump said the United States was prepared to act against the Islamic Republic but would temporarily hold off on new military strikes. Trump said the decision followed what he described as an emerging deal involving Iran and regional countries. According to his statement, the proposed arrangement would include the “Immediate, Complete, and Total opening of the Hormuz Strait” as well as an end to what he called Iran’s nuclear threat. The conflicting statements underscore the uncertainty surrounding the reported diplomatic developments. While Washington has presented the pause in strikes as part of a potential agreement, Iranian officials have denied that Tehran sought such a move and indicated that its military remains prepared for possible escalation. The Strait of Hormuz remains a major strategic concern because of its importance to global energy supplies. Any disruption in the waterway could have wider consequences for regional security and international markets, making claims about its reopening particularly significant.