Iran’s military has dismissed US diplomatic claims, saying Washington is effectively “negotiating with itself” as tensions between the two countries continue.
A spokesman for the Iranian military said: “Someone like us will never come to terms with someone like you”.
The remarks followed comments by former US President Donald Trump, who insisted Iran wants a deal “so badly” and claimed on Tuesday that Tehran had given Washington a “very big present worth a tremendous amount of money”.
Unconfirmed reports suggest the US has presented Iran with a 15 point peace proposal that would require Tehran to dismantle its nuclear facilities in exchange for sanctions relief.
At the same time, the Pentagon is preparing to deploy troops linked to developments involving Iran, according to CBS News, a US partner of the BBC. Details about the location or timing of any deployment have not been disclosed, and the White House has not issued an official response.
Meanwhile, Iran’s mission to the United Nations has said “non-hostile vessels” can pass through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. Ships from countries including China, India and Pakistan are reported to have continued using the key global shipping route.
Hostilities in the region remain active, with Israel and Iran continuing to exchange strikes. In southern Lebanon, state media say at least 6 people have been killed during recent violence.
The evolving diplomatic standoff and ongoing military activity continue to raise concerns over regional stability and global energy security.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
