Iran said it will not let the U.S. dictate the course, duration, or timing of the war, arguing that Washington is stuck in a \u201cself-made quagmire\u201d five months after the conflict began.<\/p>\n
The Iranian official said the Strait of Hormuz remains closed and stressed that Iran\u2019s talks with Oman focus solely on bilateral relations, not on negotiations involving the U.S.<\/p>\n
The spokesperson also warned that an alleged Ukrainian attack on an Iranian merchant vessel would not go unanswered. Tehran also accused President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of reckless leadership, saying Ukraine\u2019s actions threaten regional stability and could have global consequences.<\/p>\n
Trump Leaves Door Open To Talks<\/p>\n
Late Sunday, President Donald Trump allowed diplomatic efforts with Iran to continue during a pause in hostilities, easing concerns about an immediate escalation in the Middle East. According to reports, Trump\u2019s advisers reportedly warned of dwindling targets and concerns over depleting military stockpiles.<\/p>\n
A senior Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran would suspend its attacks as long as the United States does the same. The pause follows the U.S. halting its bombing campaign after 13 straight sessions. At the time of writing, Brent crude oil was trading 6.61% lower at $85.61 per barrel, while WTI Crude future dropped 6.80% to $83.24 per barrel. <\/p>\n
Meanwhile, U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz said negotiations are ongoing <\/a>at both technical and senior levels, but stressed that the U.S. military remains \u201clocked and loaded\u201d and that Trump is keeping all options on the table as talks continue.<\/p>\n