Aug 02 (v7n) - Iran's Mehr news agency on Sunday rejected President Donald Trump's assertion that Tehran had asked the United States to refrain from launching new strikes, calling the claim "nothing but a new lie."
Citing military officials, the agency stated that Iran's armed forces remained "on high alert and ready for any eventuality."
Trump had said Saturday that the US was "ready to go" against Iran but had agreed to hold off—subject to reaching a deal—after receiving requests from Tehran and other Middle Eastern countries. He added that any agreement must include the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and an end to Iran's nuclear threat.
However, Iran's Fars news agency, quoting a source close to Iranian negotiators, reiterated on Sunday that "as long as the United States maintains its hostile actions, the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed." Iran has blockaded the strategic waterway since the war began, requiring vessels to obtain permission and pay transit fees for passage.
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