Iran denies asking U.S. to pause strikes, calls Trump’s words a lie

The sharp denial, reported by Iran’s semi-official Mehr news agency, follows statements posted by Trump on Truth Social in which he claimed Washington paused planned military action after receiving requests from Tehran and neighboring Middle Eastern nations.

The claims and denial

According to Iranian military sources cited by Mehr, Tehran made no direct or indirect request to halt U.S. operations. Instead, officials characterized Trump’s statements as a tactic designed to leverage pressure against Gulf states.

“Iran’s armed forces remain at the highest level of readiness and are fully prepared for any eventuality,” the military sources stated.

The response directly refutes claims made late Saturday by President Trump, who asserted that secret diplomatic openings had led to a temporary hold on fresh bombardments.

“We have just been asked by Iran, and other Middle Eastern Countries, to hold off any attack in that the perimeters of a deal has been agreed to,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, adding that any pause was contingent on securing a broader agreement quickly.

Escalating regional tensions

The public dispute comes against a backdrop of intense military posturing and fears of a widening regional war. U.S. forces have recently signaled readiness for expansive strikes targeting strategic Iranian infrastructure, while regional partners, including Saudi Arabia, have publicly and privately urged diplomatic restraint.

Iranian military officials on Sunday rejected assertions by U.S. President Donald Trump that Tehran had requested a hold on American military strikes, dismissing the claims as a “new lie” and an attempt to pressure regional Gulf allies.

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