Iran media denies Trump claim that Tehran asked U.S. not to strike
Iranian state media has rejected claims by Donald Trump that Tehran requested the U.S. to refrain from military strikes. Tensions remain high as Iran continues to block the Strait of Hormuz in response to ongoing hostilities.
Why it matters
The conflicting narratives between the U.S. and Iran underscore the volatility of geopolitical relations in the Middle East and the risk of escalation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s Mehr news agency on Sunday (August 2, 2026) denied President Donald Trump’s claim that the Islamic republic asked the United States to refrain from conducting new strikes.
Citing military officials, the agency said the allegation “was nothing but a new lie” and that the Iranian armed forces were “on high alert and ready for any eventuality”.
On Saturday (August 1, 2026), Mr. Trump said the U.S. was “ready to go against the Islamic republic” but that Tehran and other West Asian countries had asked him to hold off on fresh strikes.
He said he had made the decision, subject to reaching a deal with Iran.
“This would include the Immediate, Complete and Total OPENING OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT, and an end to Iran’s nuclear threat,” wrote Mr. Trump in a Truth Social post.
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