Iranโs Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Wednesday asserted that Tehran is prepared for a prolonged conflict lasting up to six months and will go to any extent to defend the country. His remarks come amid claims by Donald Trump that Iran had sought a ceasefire to bring an end to the ongoing Middle East conflict.
โAt least six months. We will defend our country to whatever extent necessary,โ he said responding to a question in this regard.ย ย
Trump’s claim on ceasefire
Donald Trump said on Wednesday that Iran has approached the United States seeking a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict. He stated that any such request would only be considered if the Strait of Hormuz is โopen, free and clearโ.
At the same time, Trump delivered a strong warning, saying the US would continue its military action against Iran until this condition is fulfilled. Trump did not name any specific Iranian official who made the alleged request. However, he referred to a โnew regime presidentโ while speaking about the matter, without providing further details.
“Iranโs New Regime President, much less Radicalized and far more intelligent than his predecessors, has just asked the United States of America for a CEASEFIRE!,” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.
“We will consider when Hormuz Strait is open, free, and clear. Until then, we are blasting Iran into oblivion or, as they say, back to the Stone Ages!!!” he added.
Middle East conflict
A major conflict in the Middle East began on February 28 when the United States and Israel carried out coordinated airstrikes against Iran. The strikes focused on Iranian military installations, nuclear facilities and senior leadership.
Iranโs Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in the opening bombardment. Key parts of Iranโs defence and strategic infrastructure were also hit in the assault.
In response, Iran launched a series of missile and drone attacks. These were directed at Israel, several United States military bases in the region, and allied nations across West Asia.
The situation has quickly escalated into a broader confrontation, with nations on both sides exchanging fire and preparing for further military action.