Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated on Saturday that Qatar and Pakistan, acting as mediators, are conveying messages and remain in contact with Iran; however, this does not signify the start of negotiations, according to the Fars News Agency.
اضافة اعلان
Araqchi confirmed that his country has not taken a decision to resume negotiations with the United States, clarifying that there was no talk of a ceasefire, but rather of "ending the war" as outlined in the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.
He added that the 60-day window was an opportunity to negotiate a final agreement, stating, "There is no such thing as extending a ceasefire." He emphasized that the United States breached the understanding and initiated clashes anew.
Iran Asserts Sovereignty Over Strait of Hormuz
In response to statements by U.S. President Donald Trump claiming he intends to "soon" declare the waterway part of U.S. territory, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi declared that the Strait of Hormuz "will remain Iranian."
In a post on X, Gharibabadi stated that the Strait of Hormuz "was, is, and will remain Iranian," adding that the passage "will only be opened or closed by order of Iran."
Trump Claims Control Over Strait of Hormuz
U.S. President Donald Trump had stated on Friday that he would "soon" declare the Strait of Hormuz U.S. territory, asserting that Iran is suffering a harsh defeat.
Speaking laughingly during a political event at a police academy in New York State, Trump said, "Very soon, I will declare the Strait of Hormuz American territory. That is correct."
Trump stated that the naval blockade imposed on Iran continues, stressing that no ships will pass unless authorized by the United States, describing the naval blockade as a "wall of steel."
Trump warned that if Iran attacks the United States, the response will be "a hundred times stronger."
U.S. Statements on Iran and Economic Measures
Donald Trump: "We cannot allow Iran to continue on its current course. Had we not struck them with B-2 bombers, they would have possessed a nuclear weapon."
On Middle East Strategy: Trump stated he informed his administration officials of the need to take a "short trip to the Middle East to avert a potential catastrophe."
On Fuel Prices: He noted that Americans paying extra for fuel is a price paid "so that a deeply evil nation does not acquire a nuclear weapon."
On Iran's Status: He labeled Iran as the "number one state sponsor of terrorism in the world."
On Military Actions: Trump noted he used military force "more than I would have liked," but maintained that pressuring the Iranian regime is essential to prevent it from securing a nuclear weapon, adding, "I will never apologize; I did the right thing. The war with Iran is a great service to the world, and we are doing a fantastic job."
U.S. Treasury Department: U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated in a television interview that the United States will enact unprecedented measures against Iran, advising viewers to "stay tuned for more announcements next week, as we will enforce measures unprecedented in the history of economic isolation imposed on any country."
Trump concluded by asserting that the United States exercises full control over the Strait of Hormuz, suggesting that his country may maintain this control.
