Iran: War or diplomacy -
Photo: Matt Rourke/AP/TT

Iran: War or diplomacy - the ball is in the US's court

U.S. President Donald Trump claims that the war with Iran is "over." However, U.S. troops remain in the region, and the blockade of Iranian ports continues. An Iranian military official sees renewed fighting as likely.

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"Hostilities that began on February 28 have ended," Trump writes in a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate President Pro Tempore Chuck Grassley, as there has been no shelling since April 7.

Don't trust the US

In the United States, only Congress can declare war. The president can only authorize military operations for up to 60 days after Congress has been informed of an operation - a deadline that expired on May 1.

In light of the stalemate in peace negotiations, a senior Iranian military official said renewed fighting against the United States is “likely.”

"The evidence shows that the US does not stick to any promises or agreements," said Mohammad Jafar Asadi at the Khatam al-Anbiya military headquarters on Saturday, according to state-run Iranian Fars.

Iran's proposal rejected

In another comment on Saturday, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said it was up to the US whether it wanted to negotiate peace or return to full-scale war.

The ball is in the US's court when it comes to choosing the path of diplomacy or continued confrontation, he said at a meeting with diplomats in Tehran, according to state television channel IRIB, adding:

Iran, with a focus on securing its national interests and security, is prepared for both scenarios.

Tehran submitted a new peace proposal to the United States on Friday via mediator Pakistan. Trump rejected the proposal.

"I'm not happy with what they're offering," he told reporters on Friday.

In this story
AuthorTT News AgencyEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for our readers
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