Iran denies asking US not to strike, calls Trump's claim a 'new lie'

Iran has denied claims made by former U.S. President Donald Trump that the Islamic republic requested Washington refrain from conducting new strikes.

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was nothing but a new lie

Mehr news agency, citing military officials, dismissed Trump's assertion as "nothing but a new lie." The agency emphasized that Iran's armed forces remain on high alert and prepared for any eventuality.

Trump had stated on Saturday that the U.S. was "ready to go against the Islamic Republic" but that Tehran and other Middle Eastern nations had asked him to delay further strikes. He indicated this decision was contingent on reaching a deal with Iran.

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This would include the Immediate, Complete and Total OPENING OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT, and an end to Iran’s nuclear threat

In his social media post, Trump specified that any deal would involve the "Immediate, Complete and Total OPENING OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT, and an end to Iran’s nuclear threat." Meanwhile, Iran's Fars news agency, quoting a source close to Iranian negotiators, stated that "as long as the United States maintains its hostile actions, the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed."

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as long as the United States maintains its hostile actions, the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed.