Iran Vows to Stand Firm as Trump Dismisses Peace Negotiations

Iran has declared its unwavering commitment to self-defense, stating it will fight for “as long as it takes” in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s refusal to engage in peace negotiations aimed at resolving the escalating Middle East conflict.

Trump asserted that while Tehran is eager for a ceasefire, the conditions proposed are “not good enough yet.” He provocatively suggested that U.S. military forces could target Iran’s Kharg Island again, claiming they had previously “obliterated” military installations there just for amusement.

In a swift rebuttal, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized during an interview that “We never asked for a ceasefire, and we have never asked even for negotiation.” His remarks underscored Iran's determination to continue its defensive posture. “We are ready to defend ourselves as long as it takes,” he added, indicating that this resolve would persist until Trump recognizes the futility of what he termed an “illegal war.”

This exchange has further complicated diplomatic efforts to quell a conflict that has already claimed over 2,000 lives, predominantly in Iran and Lebanon. Trump's recent comments marked a significant escalation from his earlier stance, which focused solely on military targets.

As tensions heightened, Iran launched new missile and drone strikes against Israel and Gulf nations, prompting Israel to conduct extensive retaliatory strikes on Iranian positions late Saturday.

Amidst these hostilities, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright expressed optimism that the conflict might conclude within “the next few weeks,” potentially leading to a rapid recovery in energy supplies and a decrease in prices.

The ongoing conflict has thrown global energy markets into turmoil, particularly following Iran's blockade of the crucial Strait of Hormuz. The International Energy Agency recently reported that this situation has resulted in “the largest supply disruption in the history of the global oil market.”

Araghchi also mentioned Iran's willingness to engage in discussions regarding the Strait of Hormuz, which is currently affecting oil trade. “We are open to countries who want to talk to us about the safe passage of their vessels,” he stated, noting that several nations have approached Iran seeking assurances for their maritime safety. He confirmed that Iran's military has already permitted certain vessels from various countries to navigate safely through the strait.

In light of the ongoing crisis, Trump has urged nations impacted by the strait's closure to collaborate with him in efforts to reopen it, as it typically facilitates about 20% of the world’s oil and gas supplies. Reports indicate that over 600 ships remain stranded in the Red Sea due to the blockade.

European Union foreign ministers are scheduled to convene on Monday to deliberate on expanding the EU’s Aspides naval mission, which currently protects shipping from Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, to include safeguarding the Strait of Hormuz.

French officials are reportedly working to form a coalition aimed at securing the strait once stability is restored in the region.

Meanwhile, Iran’s newly appointed supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has vowed to maintain the blockade of the strait. In response, Trump remarked on Khamenei’s status, questioning his existence: “I don’t know if he’s even alive. So far, nobody has been able to show him.”

Iran maintains that Khamenei, who is 56 years old, was injured during the initial strike that ignited the current conflict but insists he remains alive.

In parallel developments, UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband confirmed that the government is considering deploying mine-hunting drones to the Middle East as part of efforts to address Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. When asked about this potential deployment, he stated, “We do want to work with our allies to seek to get the strait reopened,” highlighting various strategies under consideration, including autonomous mine-hunting technology.

Miliband emphasized that reopening the strait is crucial for all parties involved but also stressed the importance of de-escalating tensions: “The best and most conclusive way to get the strait reopened is to get this conflict to come to an end.”