The president of the United States, Donald Trump, assured this Wednesday on his social network Truth that Iran had requested a ceasefire, stating that he would consider it when "the Strait of Hormuz is open, free and clear."
However, a few hours later, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran countered these statements, calling them "false and unfounded" and categorically denying any request for a truce on the part of Tehran.
Exit from NATO
The controversy arises amidst a conflict that continues to escalate in the Middle East. Trump, in statements to the British newspaper The Telegraph, has linked his perception of the situation with the actions of NATO, stating that he was seriously considering withdrawing the United States from the Atlantic Alliance, after several members refused to support his military campaign against Iran. The president has called NATO a "paper tiger" and has added that, in his opinion, even Vladimir Putin recognizes it.
Meanwhile, the White House has announced that U.S. troops would withdraw "in two or three weeks", predicting the end of the conflict "very soon", and that Trump will offer a televised speech tonight addressed to Americans to update the situation in Iran.
The escalation on the ground
Despite rumors of a possible ceasefire, the fighting has not ceased. Israel has attacked Tehran and Beirut, causing at least nine fatalities, while Iran responded with attacks in Kuwait, Qatar, United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. In parallel, the British prime minister, Keir Starmer, has convened an international summit to discuss the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, vital for global energy transit.
The official denial from Iran underscores the growing disconnect between Trump's statements and the facts on the ground. While the American president claims to have received a ceasefire request, the Iranian version makes it clear that no formal negotiation has taken place.