Iran is making it clear that it's not going to let the United States call the shots on how this war plays out. Five months into the conflict, Tehran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said Monday that Washington is stuck in a 'self-made quagmire' and that Iran will decide the course, duration, and timing of the war on its own terms.
Speaking at a press conference, Baghaei noted that Gulf states are continuing to mediate with the U.S., but emphasized that Tehran is not engaged in direct talks with Washington despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, according to WANA Iran. He said the country will defend its interests when necessary and pursue diplomacy when appropriate.
On the strategic front, the Iranian official confirmed that the Strait of Hormuz remains closed and stressed that Iran's talks with Oman focus solely on bilateral relations, not on negotiations involving the U.S. The spokesperson also warned that an alleged Ukrainian attack on an Iranian merchant vessel would not go unanswered. Tehran accused President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of reckless leadership, saying Ukraine's actions threaten regional stability and could have global consequences.
Trump Leaves Door Open To Talks
Late Sunday, President Donald Trump allowed diplomatic efforts with Iran to continue during a pause in hostilities, easing concerns about an immediate escalation in the Middle East. According to reports, Trump's advisers reportedly warned of dwindling targets and concerns over depleting military stockpiles.
A senior Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran would suspend its attacks as long as the United States does the same. The pause follows the U.S. halting its bombing campaign after 13 straight sessions. At the time of writing, Brent crude oil was trading 6.61% lower at $85.61 per barrel, while WTI Crude future dropped 6.80% to $83.24 per barrel.
Meanwhile, U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz said negotiations are ongoing at both technical and senior levels, but stressed that the U.S. military remains 'locked and loaded' and that Trump is keeping all options on the table as talks continue.
Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi accused Zelenskyy of ordering an attack on an Iranian commercial vessel at Israel's behest, calling it a violation of the U.N. Charter. He said Iran has raised the issue with senior EU officials and warned that the attack 'cannot go unanswered.'
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) criticized the Trump administration's handling of the Iran conflict, arguing it has weakened the U.S. by depleting missile defenses and oil reserves while costing American service members' lives.
