Iranโs Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said Tehran will not accept a ceasefire as the conflict enters its 22nd day, warning that Iran does not want a repeat of โlast yearโs scenario.โ โWe welcome any initiative that can fully end this war; we are ready to listen and consider,โ Araghchi said. โAt present, while some countries are trying to find a solution, the United States does not appear ready to halt its aggression. Therefore, we will continue to defend ourselves.โ
He stressed that any end to the war must be โcomplete and permanent,โ with guarantees that such a conflict will not happen again. He also demanded compensation for damages inflicted on Iran, adding that the countryโs actions are โpurely self-defense.โ
Trump signalling possible endgame?
On the other side US President Donald Trump indicated that the United States may soon reduce its military involvement. He said the US is โvery closeโ to achieving its main objectives, suggesting the war could be entering its final stage.
However, Trump also took a hard stance against a ceasefire. โYou donโt do a ceasefire when youโre literally obliterating the other side,โ he told reporters.
Trump also hit out at NATO, accusing its member countries of failing to support the war effort. He described allies as โcowardsโ and called the alliance a โpaper tigerโ without US leadership.
Strait of Hormuz tensionsย
Speaking about the strategic Strait of Hormuz, Araghchi said the vital oil route is โonly closed to enemy ships.โย
Iran had shut down the strait on March 2 in response to US-Israel attacks, raising concerns about global energy supplies. Both sides now appear unwilling to step back. Iran insists on firm guarantees and compensation, while the US signals confidence in nearing its goals but refuses to halt operations.
Also Read:ย ‘Close to our objectives’: Trump says considering ‘winding down’ Iran war