WASHINGTON: Iran said Thursday that Washington’s demands were “maximalist and irrational” and denied any negotiations were under way on a ceasefire to end the war in the Middle East, as President Donald Trump prepared to make a national address on the conflict.
Trump claimed Wednesday that Iran’s president had asked for a ceasefire but said Tehran must first reopen the Strait of Hormuz, spurring global attention on his 9 p.m. (0100 GMT Thursday) televised address from the White House.
“Messages have been received through intermediaries, including Pakistan, but there is no direct negotiation with the US,” said Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei, quoted by the ISNA news agency.
He accused Washington of making “maximalist and irrational” demands and said Iran was ready for any attack, including an invasion by ground forces.
Writing on Truth Social ahead of his address, Trump said the United States would consider a ceasefire “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!!!“
