Iran rejects US deal without firm guarantees; Washington warns war could resume
Iran’s chief negotiator rejected a US peace deal unless Tehran’s rights are guaranteed, while President Donald Trump insisted any agreement must prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The Pentagon warned of readiness to resume military action, and Iran’s state media reported downing a US-linked drone, though diplomacy continues over Lebanon and asset releases.
Iran’s chief negotiator stated Tehran would not accept any deal with the US unless Iranian rights are fully guaranteed, while President Donald Trump reaffirmed that any peace agreement must prevent Iran from ever developing nuclear weapons. Trump also demanded the reopening of the blockaded Strait of Hormuz as a key condition, stating the US would only sign a deal aligning with his red lines. The White House had signaled Trump was close to a decision on a potential deal, but no final agreement was reached after a Situation Room meeting on Friday. Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth warned that the US remains 'more than capable' of restarting military action against Iran, emphasizing that American stockpiles are sufficient for such a conflict. US Central Command confirmed that American forces remain vigilant across the region, despite a ceasefire largely holding since April. Iran’s IRNA state news agency reported that air defenses shot down a drone 'belonging to the US-Zionist aggressor enemy' on Saturday, escalating tensions. Meanwhile, diplomacy persisted to address parallel fighting in Lebanon, where Israeli forces have advanced despite ongoing military delegations from both nations meeting at the Pentagon. Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei rejected Trump’s conditions, stating the Islamic republic 'said goodbye to the language of must' 47 years ago. He confirmed exchanges of messages were ongoing but insisted no final agreement had been reached. Trump proposed Iran remove mines from the Strait of Hormuz and end its closure without tolls, while the US would lift its blockade of Iranian ports. Iran’s Fars news agency cited sources claiming Tehran demanded the immediate release of $12 billion before advancing negotiations, while Iranian state television reported an 'unofficial' draft memorandum of understanding suggesting the US would release $12 billion in frozen assets within 60 days. The White House dismissed these claims as a 'fabrication,' maintaining no such agreement exists.
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