Iran's state media rejected US President Donald Trump's assertion that Tehran asked Washington to refrain from military action, insisting instead that Iranian forces remain prepared for confrontation.

Iran's Mehr news agency dismissed claims made by US President Donald Trump on Saturday, in which he stated that the Islamic Republic had requested the United States hold back from launching fresh military strikes. According to Iran's state media, citing military officials, the allegation constituted "nothing but a new lie," with the Iranian armed forces maintaining they are "on high alert and ready for any eventuality."

Trump had announced that the United States stood prepared to act against Iran, but indicated that Tehran and other regional nations had asked him to pause military operations. The US president suggested such restraint would be contingent on reaching an agreement with Iran that includes what he termed the "Immediate, Complete and Total OPENING OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT, and an end to Iran's nuclear threat," as posted on his Truth Social platform.

Iran's response through the Fars news agency, citing sources connected to Iranian negotiators, countered that "as long as the United States maintains its hostile actions, the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed." Iran has maintained a blockade of the strategic waterway since the beginning of the current conflict, requiring vessels to seek permission and pay transit fees for passage.