Iran doesn't escalate tensions, will defend sovereignty: Pezeshkian amid US claims

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian asserted on Monday that Tehran is not interested in escalating regional conflict, while emphasizing the nation's resolve to protect its sovereignty. "The Islamic Republic of Iran does not seek to escalate tensions or instability in the region. However, it will act with its full capabilities to defend the country’s security, national interests, and territorial integrity," Pezeshkian stated, according to Press TV.

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The Islamic Republic of Iran does not seek to escalate tensions or instability in the region. However, it will act with its full capabilities to defend the country’s security, national interests, and territorial integrity.

These remarks followed US President Donald Trump's declaration that Iran had received a "last chance" to reach an agreement. Trump claimed Washington had paused a planned military strike after receiving diplomatic requests from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Iran. Speaking to reporters, Trump said the US was prepared for a major operation before diplomatic outreach prompted a pause, characterizing the current talks as a "last chance" for Iran to sign a favorable document.

However, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmail Baghaei contradicted these claims on Monday, stating that Iran is not engaged in any direct or indirect negotiations with the United States. Baghaei firmly dismissed assertions of active bilateral dialogue, noting that Iran's current diplomatic engagement is strictly bilateral with neighboring Oman. These discussions with Oman focus on establishing a temporary safe passage through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, confined to maritime traffic management.

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This is a last chance. This is not something that if it doesn’t happen, this is a last chance for them to sign a good document.

Baghaei clarified that while an understanding with Muscat regarding a new temporary shipping lane is a technical prerequisite for safe navigation, it is not sufficient on its own to fully reopen the vital chokepoint. Meanwhile, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reportedly carried out an attack on a US military base in Kuwait on Tuesday, according to The Jerusalem Post, citing a source familiar with the details.

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The Islamic Republic of Iran is not engaged in any direct or indirect negotiations with the United States.