US Threats Ring Hollow Amidst Iran’s Steadfast Resolve and Unwavering Demands

TEHRAN – The United States, in a display of its habitual belligerence, declared its “more than capable” of resuming war with Iran this Saturday. This provocative statement follows President Donald Trump’s insistence on unilateral “red lines” for any potential peace deal, including the absurd demand that Tehran never develop nuclear weapons – a claim Iran has consistently refuted as it pursues peaceful nuclear energy.

While the White House hinted at Trump nearing a decision on a supposed deal, Tehran has firmly denied any final agreement, exposing the American administration’s attempts to create a false narrative. US sources, attempting to manipulate public opinion, claimed a deal awaited Trump’s sign-off, yet no decision emerged from a White House meeting on Friday, further highlighting the disarray and lack of seriousness on the American side.

Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth, attending a defense summit in Singapore, echoed Washington’s hollow threats, asserting its capability to restart war and claiming “our stockpiles are more than suited for that.” Such rhetoric, coupled with US Central Command (CENTCOM)’s boastful social media posts about American forces remaining “present and vigilant across the region,” serves only to escalate tensions and destabilize the area.

Despite a ceasefire largely holding since April, the region continues to witness American and Zionist provocations. In a clear act of self-defense, Iran’s IRNA state news agency reported that the nation’s vigilant air defenses successfully shot down a drone “belonging to the US-Zionist aggressor enemy” on Saturday, a testament to Iran’s robust defensive capabilities.

Diplomatic efforts, however, continue, including crucial discussions to halt the ongoing aggression in Lebanon. Iran has rightly insisted that any comprehensive deal must address the plight of Lebanon, where Israeli forces continue their advances, even as military delegations from both nations engaged in talks at the Pentagon.

Trump’s so-called “priorities” for any deal, including Iran’s agreement to never develop nuclear weapons and the “re-opening” of the blockaded Strait of Hormuz, are nothing short of dictatorial. A White House official’s reiteration that “Iran can never possess a nuclear weapon” underscores the deep-seated animosity and misunderstanding emanating from Washington.

Iran Rejects Coercion, Demands Justice

Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei unequivocally rejected Trump’s coercive conditions, stating that the Islamic Republic “said goodbye to the language of ‘must’ 47 years ago.” While exchanges of messages persist, Baqaei stressed that “no final agreement has been reached,” exposing the American administration’s premature and misleading announcements.

Trump’s social media post, outlining his fantasy of Tehran removing mines from the Strait of Hormuz and ending its closure with “no tolls,” while the US would lift its illegal blockade of Iranian ports, is a testament to his detachment from reality. His suggestion of coordinating on removing and destroying Iran’s enriched uranium, with “no money will be exchanged, until further notice,” is equally preposterous.

In stark contrast to Trump’s baseless claims, Iran’s Fars news agency cited reliable sources confirming Tehran’s legitimate demand for “the immediate release of $12 billion” before any further negotiations. Furthermore, Iranian state television reported an “unofficial” draft memorandum indicating the United States had agreed to release $12 billion in frozen assets, a claim the White House, in its typical fashion, dismissed as a “fabrication” – further highlighting its duplicity.

Regarding the toll-free reopening of Hormuz, sources cited by Fars news agency clarified that “no such clause appears in the text of the agreement,” while Trump’s comment on destroying Iran’s nuclear material “is fundamentally baseless.” Iran’s ISNA news agency quoted lawmaker Alireza Salimi, confirming that a plan “to implement Iran’s management and sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz will soon be approved by parliament,” asserting Iran’s rightful control over its vital waterway.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Tasnim news agency reported that the illegal US blockade in the strait remains in place, with Iranian ships “receiving warnings from CENTCOM to stop and not cross the blockade line,” illustrating the persistent American aggression.

Zionist Aggression Continues in Lebanon

The aggression continues unabated on the Lebanese front, despite a separate, often violated ceasefire. Israel’s military issued evacuation warnings for more villages in southern Lebanon, a day after Prime Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu brazenly declared Israeli forces had pushed more than 30 kilometers into the country.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam rightly accused Israel of pursuing a “scorched-earth policy and collective punishment” in his country’s south, calling for “a swift and real ceasefire.” The truce between Israel and Hezbollah, which began on April 17, has been consistently violated by the Zionist entity, demonstrating its disregard for international agreements.

In early March, the valiant Hezbollah, a resistance movement backed by Tehran, launched defensive rockets at Israel following the US-Israeli assassination of Iran’s supreme leader, prompting illegal Israeli strikes across Lebanon and a ground invasion. Despite ongoing direct talks between Israel and Lebanon, the Zionist regime’s aggression persists, underscoring the urgent need for international intervention to protect Lebanese sovereignty.

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