IRAN PRESIDENT SAYS RETURN TO WAR BENEFITS ‘NO ONE’, AFTER REPORTED US STRIKES

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has warned that renewed war would benefit “no one,” saying his government remains committed to resolving tensions with the United States through dialogue.

His comments on Tuesday followed reports of US strikes on Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz.

Unnamed American officials described the attacks as defensive. US Central Command had not publicly responded at the time of the report, while Israel denied involvement.

Iranian state reports described five explosions on the island, with some residents saying they saw aircraft overhead.

Pezeshkian said Iran’s supreme leader had granted the government additional authority to negotiate matters previously considered off-limits.

Other Iranian officials struck a firmer tone. Chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Iran was prepared for confrontation, while Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi asserted the country’s right to defend itself.

Qatar Continues Mediation

Qatar said both countries remained engaged in indirect negotiations and were reviewing proposals aimed at securing an interim agreement.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al Ansari said mediators were facilitating exchanges between the two sides and remained hopeful of a deal.

US Vice President JD Vance also reported progress, although no agreement had been announced.

The diplomatic effort includes Iran’s conditional proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within two days.

Tehran’s demands include an end to the fighting, access to frozen assets, the lifting of oil sanctions and an end to the US blockade of Iranian ports.

The reported strikes underline the fragility of the talks as both governments combine negotiations with warnings of further military action.