Iran Says It Will Decide When the War Ends, Insists Strait of Hormuz Will Stay Closed

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei issued a statement at midday (Monday), saying, "Tehran will not allow Washington to dictate the terms for ending the fighting. The Strait of Hormuz will remain closed." He added: "As of now, we are not conducting any negotiations with the American side. We did not ask to renew talks with the U.S. in order to end the war."

Baghaei also stressed that the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes is "a right for الجميع". Responding to the nuclear agreement signed between the United States and Saudi Arabia, he said: "I am expressing our position. The reason for the pressure applied against Iran was precisely Iran’s exercise of its right. We leave it to the world to judge."

In addition, the spokesperson addressed the Ukrainian front and warned: "President Zelensky’s patrons should beware lest the consequences of his actions harm them as well. The Ukrainian attack against the Iranian ship is an unjustified act that violates international law, and it will not go unanswered."

Ukraine’s president responded this morning, arguing that Ukraine has already been attacked by Iran, through its assistance to Russia with equipment throughout the war. Accordingly, the Ukrainians warned that if Iran attacks, the Ukrainian military will strike back inside Iranian territory.