Tehran Accuses Washington of Terminating Interim Ceasefire

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared on Saturday that the United States broke the interim agreement designed to end hostilities with Washington and Israel. Pezeshkian stated that both nations should return to the pact to finalize its terms. His remarks align with reports that military strikes could resume within days. The conflict began on February 28 under the codename Epic Fury.

The interim deal followed the initial outbreak of war in late February. US President Donald Trump indicated on Friday that he may launch another strike using the same Epic Fury designation. This threat emerged as regional tensions escalated. The US military had been preparing for potential operations in the Gulf region since the war started.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that limited US strikes would trigger a response several times greater in scale. This warning was reported by the Fars News Agency. Ali Abdollahi, the chief of staff for the Iranian Armed Forces, said on Saturday that US forces would not enter the Gulf under any circumstances. He stated that Trump could only dream of such a move.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed his goal of overthrowing the Iranian government. Israeli voters are scheduled to choose their next government on Tuesday. This election occurs while diplomatic talks stall. The political timing adds pressure to both leaders as they navigate upcoming domestic votes.

US midterm elections are set for November 3. Trump’s Republican Party faces a challenge from Democrats who aim to control both the House of Representatives and the Senate. A Democratic victory would impact Trump’s remaining two years in office. The timing of these elections influences the strategic calculations in Washington and Tehran.

Fatemeh Mohajerani, the Iranian government spokesperson, said on Saturday that Tehran would not wait for permission to defend itself. She noted that Iran seeks peace but will respond to aggression with severe consequences. Mohajerani wrote that Iran does not flee from dialogue but does not hesitate in national defense.

Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, the head of the Iranian judiciary, met with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei on Saturday. The two discussed corruption and compensation for citizens affected by the war. Khamenei assumed the role in early March after his father was killed during the opening strikes. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf met with Khamenei earlier in the week.