The timing of war and peace is not yours to decide, Iran tells US

Key Points:

• Iran rejected US influence over the timing of war or peace between the two countries, emphasizing that future talks would be based solely on Iran's national interests and its right to self-defense.
• Despite ongoing message exchanges, Iran criticized US military actions for undermining meaningful negotiations, while US President Trump confirmed deep talks are underway but warned of potential wide-scale military operations if diplomacy fails.
• The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical and unresolved issue, with Iran asserting sovereign control and continuing to intercept vessels, while the US and allies reject Iran's claims under international law, maintaining maritime restrictions and enforcement actions.
• Economic hardships persist in Iran amid the conflict, with inflation and shortages forcing families to cut back on essentials like fruit, highlighting the domestic impact despite a temporary military pause.
• Regional tensions escalate as Iran-backed Houthi forces increase attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure and shipping in the Red Sea, prompting Saudi retaliatory strikes and slowing commercial shipping through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, despite a US-Houthi understanding to pause attacks on US-linked vessels.