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Trump says Iran requests ceasefire, but Tehran denies it

US president announces contacts on Iranian initiative; Islamic Republic rejects truce

Tensions between the United States and Iran continue to escalate, marked by contradictory statements over a potential ceasefire. Donald Trump announced ongoing contacts, claiming they were initiated by Tehran to halt the war. The Islamic Republic, however, denied any proposal for a truce, rejecting the president’s assertions.

Earlier in the day, Trump stated that the “president of the new Iranian regime, much less radical and far smarter than his predecessors, has just asked the United States for a ceasefire.” The president linked the possible truce to the free and secure reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway through which roughly 20% of the world’s oil passes and whose blockage has affected fuel prices in several countries, including Italy.

Trump reiterated the US military line, declaring that Iran would be neutralized until the Strait is secure: “We will reduce Iran to dust, or, as they say, send them back to the Stone Age,” he said. On the duration of Operation Epic Fury, he added, “I can’t tell you exactly when… but we will be leaving soon.” He left the door open for potential targeted follow-ups: “They won’t have a nuclear weapon because they are currently incapable, and then I will leave, take everyone out, and if necessary, we will return to strike precisely.”

Tehran responded firmly. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Al Jazeera: “We do not accept a ceasefire. We demand an end to the war in Iran and across the region,” adding that the country seeks guarantees to prevent future aggressions and reparations for damages incurred. The ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baghaei, called Trump’s claims “false and unfounded,” reaffirming that no negotiations are currently possible and that trust in the United States is nonexistent. The Pasdaran also confirmed that the Strait of Hormuz remains closed to adversaries.

The situation remains confused and contradictory, with Washington and Tehran taking diametrically opposed positions, while the Strait of Hormuz continues to drive international tension.

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