Iran Says It Will Not Let U.S. Set Timing of Conflict or Peace

Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei told a weekly press briefing that Tehran will not permit the United States to determine "the timing of war and peace," adding that any future negotiations will be guided solely by Iran's national interests and that the country will defend itself "for as long as necessary."

Baghaei said U.S. military actions have destroyed the conditions for meaningful talks and that Iran's immediate priority is protecting its sovereignty and territorial integrity. He also noted that discussions with Oman over the administration of the Strait of Hormuz are ongoing, describing the talks as strictly bilateral and unrelated to the United States.

U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters that Iran had requested negotiations "through intermediaries and directly," and said the United States was holding "deep talks" with Tehran. He warned that if diplomatic efforts fail, the U.S. would resume a "wide-scale military operation," while emphasizing that the United States would not allow talks to drag on indefinitely.

The strategic Strait of Hormuz remains a focal point of the dispute. Iran maintains that it has sovereign authority over the waterway and can designate approved transit routes, a position rejected by the United States, Gulf states and most of the international community under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Iran's Revolutionary Guard reported intercepting six vessels attempting unauthorized passages, while U.S. Central Command said it had redirected 17 commercial ships and boarded two to enforce maritime restrictions.

Despite a temporary military pause, Iran continues to face domestic economic pressures, including electricity shortages, fuel imbalances, inflation and reduced purchasing power. Reports from Tehran residents describe declining food purchases as incomes lag behind rising prices.

In the Red Sea, Iran-backed Houthi forces have stepped up attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure and shipping, prompting retaliatory Saudi air strikes in Yemen. The United States has said it is not currently engaged in operations against the Houthis but warned it could intervene if the group becomes a larger threat.