Iran has declared that the United States remains trapped in the ongoing conflict, insisting that only Tehran will determine when hostilities end as tensions between the two countries remain high despite a temporary pause in military operations.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei made the remarks on Monday, arguing that Washington had failed to achieve its objectives after months of fighting and warning that the United States would ultimately bear the consequences of its actions.
“The United States is stuck and struggling,” Baghaei said, adding that Washington would “inevitably pay the price” for its actions.
The comments underscore Tehran’s position that its military successfully resisted the joint US-Israeli campaign and forced Washington into a more cautious approach.
Baghaei attributed the current situation to what he described as the Iranian armed forces’ “decisive response” to attacks carried out by the United States and Israel. He maintained that Iran would continue to prioritise the protection of its sovereignty, national security and strategic interests in any future negotiations.
“Iran’s priority in any future engagement will remain protecting its national rights and security,” he said, insisting the country would not retreat from its positions.
The latest remarks came as the United States continued to refrain from launching fresh attacks on Iran following President Donald Trump’s decision to suspend military operations to allow diplomatic efforts to continue.
The pause prompted Tehran to halt retaliatory strikes across the Middle East after nearly two weeks of intense exchanges between both sides.
President Trump has meanwhile rejected reports suggesting the United States is facing shortages of military ammunition following the prolonged conflict.
The US leader insisted American military stockpiles remain sufficient to sustain any operation if required, dismissing media reports questioning the country’s weapons inventory.
Baghaei also reiterated Iran’s condemnation of the bombing of a commercial vessel in the Caspian Sea, warning that the attack would not go unanswered, although he stopped short of outlining Tehran’s next course of action.
Attention is now focused on Iran’s possible response, with analysts suggesting the country could deepen military and strategic cooperation with Russia or pursue other measures aimed at strengthening its regional position. Iranian officials, however, have repeatedly stated that they do not want the Caspian Sea to become another theatre of conflict.
Meanwhile, violence has continued in the occupied West Bank, where Israeli troops and settlers reportedly carried out fresh raids, arrests and home demolitions in Nablus, Ramallah, Hebron and East Jerusalem, further heightening tensions acr,oss the region.
(The Sun)