Tehran Disputes Trump's Claim of Request to Halt Strikes

A recent claim by United States President Donald Trump that Iran had asked the US to refrain from conducting new strikes has been met with denial from Iran's Mehr news agency. According to the agency, the allegation made by Trump is nothing but a fabrication, citing military officials who stated that the Iranian armed forces are on high alert and prepared for any eventuality. This development comes after Trump stated on Saturday that the US was ready to take action against the Islamic Republic, but had decided to hold off on fresh strikes following requests from Tehran and other Middle Eastern countries. Trump also mentioned that the decision was subject to reaching a deal with Iran, which would involve the complete opening of the Hormuz Strait and an end to Iran's nuclear threat. In response, Iran's Fars news agency, quoting a source close to Iranian negotiators, stated that as long as the United States maintains its hostile actions, the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed. The waterway has been blockaded by Iran since the start of the war, with vessels required to obtain permission and pay transit fees before using it.