Donald Trump on Wednesday claimed that Iran has asked the US for a ceasefire to the ongoing conflict, adding that the request will only be considered when the Strait of Hormuz is "open, free and clear".
In an apparent mixed signal to end the conflict, Trump said the US will continue to blast Iran into oblivion until the demand is met. Interestingly, the Republican leader did not name any specific leader in Iran who he claims to have requested a ceasefire, despite mentioning a "new regime president".
"Iran’s New Regime President, much less Radicalized and far more intelligent than his predecessors, has just asked the United States of America for a CEASEFIRE!," The US President wrote in a post on Truth Social.
"We will consider when Hormuz Strait is open, free, and clear. Until then, we are blasting Iran into oblivion or, as they say, back to the Stone Ages!!!" he added.
The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow maritime corridor that carries around 20 per cent of the world’s oil supply, has emerged as a major flashpoint amid escalating tensions.
The situation intensified after Iran moved to restrict shipping traffic through the waterway in response to US and Israeli strikes, raising concerns over global energy supplies and regional stability.
Ready for 6-month-long war: Iran minister's contradictory remark
Earlier in the day, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made remarks in stark contradiction to Trump's claims, saying that they are well stocked and ready for a prolonged war.
Speaking to Al Jazeera, Araghchi said Iran is well stocked and prepared to defend itself for as long as necessary, indicating the country could sustain the conflict for at least 6 months when asked directly.
Trump had previously suggested that Washington is considering ending its military involvement in the region within 2 to 3 weeks, regardless of whether an agreement is reached with Tehran.
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