Iran Tensions Rise as Foreign Minister Claims Victory in War With US
Iran tensions have escalated sharply after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declared that Iran "won the war and won the diplomacy" by refusing an early ceasefire and continuing the conflict until the US agreed to negotiations on Iran's terms. [1] Araghchi stated during a conference with Iranian educators on Tuesday that Iran pushed to continue the war with the US to force a ceasefire on its own terms. [1] He claimed those seeking unconditional surrender later begged for negotiations. [1] [4]
Iran Claims Victory in War and Diplomacy
Araghchi concluded that those who tried to impose unconditional surrender on Iran begged for negotiations shortly after the war began. [1] He said Iran fought with strength and negotiated with strength. [1] Araghchi added that the Iranian people stood against what was supposedly the largest military in the world, supported by most Western countries and several others in the region and beyond. [1] These remarks came after US President Donald Trump told FOX News that Iran should raise the white flag of surrender. [1]
Ceasefire Agreement Expires Without Extension
The interim ceasefire agreement signed in June expired without extension after 60 days. [2] [3] Both sides rejected prolongation amid a dispute over control of the Strait of Hormuz. [3] The memorandum of understanding signed on June 17 set a 60-day timeframe for the US and Iran to reach a broader deal on Iran's nuclear programme and US sanctions. [3] The agreement declared the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts but unravelled over the Hormuz control issue. [3]
Iran Threatens Action Against US Blockade
Iran tensions have intensified with threats of military action if diplomacy fails. [2] [3] A senior Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran would conduct a timely and precise military attack to break the US naval blockade. [3] Iran announced progress toward an agreement with Oman on managing shipping through the strait. [2] The official said Iranian entities must be prepared to escalate tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and wider region. [3]
Trump Demands Iranian Surrender
Trump rejected extending the interim deal and demanded Iran raise the white flag of surrender. [1] [3] He said he has no hurry for a deal and warned that if Oman gets in the way of US control in the Strait of Hormuz, the US will bomb the s*** out of them. [1] [3] Trump also said on his Truth Social platform that his main goal was to ensure Iran never has nuclear weapons. [3]
US Public Concern Grows Over Prolonged Conflict
A Reuters/Ipsos poll found US approval of Trump's handling of the Iran conflict has fallen to 33 percent. [5] Eighty percent of Americans said they were worried the war will drag on. [5] Only 20 percent said the conflict was worth the human and economic costs. [5] About 87 percent of Democrats and 71 percent of Republicans said they believed US involvement in Iran would continue for a long time. [5]
Broader Regional and Economic Impact
Benchmark Brent crude oil futures have surged since the start of the war in February, hitting a peak of $126 a barrel. [3] Brent crude edged up on Monday to around $89 a barrel. [3] Attacks by Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen have renewed concerns about a widening regional war. [3] Trump warned Americans to prepare for continued high fuel prices as a result of the war. [3] He also said after defeating Iran he would declare the Hormuz Strait a territory of the United States. [3]
What to watch next: Mediators are expected to share Tehran's deadline with Washington and regional states while Iran and Oman move toward finalising their Hormuz management agreement.
