Iran: U.S. 'Trapped in Swamp' It Created with War

Iran declared on Monday that the United States is "trapped in the swamp" of its own creation, stemming from its military actions against the Islamic Republic. The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmail Bagaei, stated that the U.S. cannot effectively manage the conflict or dictate terms regarding global oil prices, challenging the narrative of American control.

Bagaei criticized the U.S. war effort, which he claimed was initially intended to cause Iran's collapse within three days. "Now, after five months, they are trapped in the swamp that they themselves have created," he remarked during a press conference. He accused the U.S. of committing "war crimes" and suggested that Washington's actions are not about managing the conflict but rather an attempt to escape the consequences of decisions influenced by Israel.

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I don't know how you think (the United States) is managing the war. A war that was supposed to cause Iran's collapse in three days and force it to surrender, now, after five months, they are trapped in the swamp that they themselves have created.

Responding to questions about the U.S. pause in attacks after 13 consecutive days of bombing, Bagaei dismissed the idea that the U.S. could determine the timing of a ceasefire or the continuation of hostilities. He asserted, "We have never allowed the United States to determine the timing of war or peace for us." Iran maintains that its national interests and priorities are paramount, and it is unconcerned with U.S. anxieties regarding oil prices.

Furthermore, Iran denied engaging in direct negotiations with Washington and refuted reports of a ten-day ceasefire proposed by mediators like Qatar and Pakistan, although it acknowledged that intermediaries might be relaying messages. The recent escalation began in early July with Iranian attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, following Oman's opening of an alternative transit route with U.S. support. Tehran insists that vessels must use routes specified by Iranian authorities. The U.S. responded with airstrikes against Iran, ending a mid-June memorandum of understanding for peace, prompting further missile and drone attacks by Iran on U.S. targets in the Middle East.

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We have never allowed the United States to determine the timing of war or peace for us.