Iran Denies Asking US to Halt Strikes, Accuses Trump of Lying

Iran has rejected claims by United States President Donald Trump that Tehran requested Washington to refrain from carrying out fresh military strikes, describing the allegation as false and insisting its armed forces remain on high alert.

The denial was reported on Sunday by Iran’s state-affiliated Mehr News Agency, which quoted military officials as dismissing Trump’s statement as “nothing but a new lie.”

According to the report, Iranian military authorities said the country’s armed forces remain fully prepared for any possible escalation and are maintaining a high state of readiness.

The reaction follows remarks made by President Trump on Saturday in which he claimed the United States was prepared to launch additional military action against Iran but decided to delay the operation after receiving requests from Tehran and other countries in the Middle East.

Trump said the decision to suspend further strikes was conditional upon reaching an agreement with Iran.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, the US president said such an agreement would require the “Immediate, Complete and Total OPENING OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT” and the elimination of what he described as Iran’s nuclear threat.

However, Iranian authorities have strongly disputed the suggestion that they sought any reprieve from the United States.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Fars News Agency, quoting a source close to the country’s negotiating team, said the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed as long as the United States continued what it described as hostile actions against the Islamic Republic.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most strategic maritime routes, serving as a major passage for global oil shipments.

According to the report, Iran has maintained a blockade of the waterway since the outbreak of the ongoing conflict, requiring vessels seeking passage to obtain prior approval and pay transit fees before entering the strait.

The exchange of statements highlights the continuing tensions between Washington and Tehran despite renewed discussions about a possible diplomatic settlement.

The latest disagreement comes amid heightened regional uncertainty, with international observers closely monitoring developments around the Strait of Hormuz because of its significance to global energy supplies and international trade.

Neither the White House nor Iranian officials have announced any fresh diplomatic engagement following the conflicting statements, leaving uncertainty over whether negotiations between both countries are likely to resume in the near future.