Iran has issued a stern warning that any new aggression against the country will be met with a stronger response, according to a statement by Ebrahim Rezaei, spokesperson for the Iranian Parliament's National Security Commission. Speaking on Tuesday, Rezaei said such a response would make US President Donald Trump "even more ashamed," as reported by Iranian state broadcaster IRIB.
Rezaei also stated, "The Americans must either surrender to diplomacy and our conditions, or surrender to the power of our missiles." In a separate statement, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei emphasized that Iran's right to nuclear enrichment is "non-negotiable," asserting that "Enrichment is Iran's right. Others' remarks on this matter do not matter!"
Trump Pauses Attack, Signals Possible Deal
US President Donald Trump announced on Monday that he had paused a planned attack against Iran after Tehran sent a peace proposal to Washington. Trump stated that there is now a "very good chance" of reaching a deal to limit Iran's nuclear program. He instructed the US military that they will not proceed with the scheduled attack but must remain prepared for a full-scale assault if an acceptable deal is not reached.
Trump mentioned that the leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates requested he hold off on the attack, believing a deal acceptable to the US and Middle Eastern countries can be reached. He did not provide details of the agreement under discussion. Speaking to reporters, Trump expressed satisfaction if an agreement prevents Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, saying, "If we can do that without bombing the hell out of them, I would be very happy."
Iran's Peace Proposal and Mediation by Pakistan
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei confirmed that Tehran's views had been "conveyed to the American side through Pakistan." A Pakistani source confirmed that Islamabad shared the latest proposal with Washington, noting that progress has been difficult as the sides "keep changing their goalposts." The source added, "We don't have much time."
The Iranian peace proposal, as described by a senior Iranian source, focuses on securing an end to the war, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and lifting maritime sanctions. This proposal appears similar to a previous offer that Trump rejected as "garbage."
Iran Remains Steadfast
Iran's top joint military command, Khatam al-Anbiya, stated that Iran's armed forces are "ready to pull the trigger" in the event of any renewed US attack. Commander Ali Abdollahi warned that any renewed aggression will be met with a "quick, decisive, powerful, and extensive" response. Iran's statements on state media emphasize that its armed forces are "more prepared and stronger than in the past."
Apparent Softening by Washington
A senior Iranian source reported that the United States has agreed to release a quarter of Iran's frozen funds held in foreign banks, totaling tens of billions of dollars. Iran seeks the release of all assets. The source also indicated that Washington has shown flexibility in allowing Iran to continue some peaceful nuclear activity under International Atomic Energy Agency supervision. However, the US has not confirmed any agreements.
Iran's Tasnim news agency quoted an unidentified source claiming the US agreed to waive oil sanctions on Iran during negotiations, but a US official denied this report. A fragile ceasefire is in place after six weeks of war, though drones have been launched from Iraq toward Gulf countries. Iran condemned a drone attack intercepted by Saudi Arabia, denying involvement.
