Iran says it will not let US dictate timing of war or peace

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei stated on Monday that Tehran will not allow the United States to determine the timing of war or peace. Speaking at his weekly press conference in Tehran, Baghaei responded to a question about claims of Iran and the US's response to Pakistan and Qatar's plan for negotiations on ending the American war of aggression against Iran. He said, "I don't know how you think they will manage the war, a war that was supposed to force Iran to surrender, but they have been stuck in a quagmire for 5 months." He deplored that the US and the Zionist regime are struggling in a situation they themselves created. Baghaei emphasized that what is fundamental for Iran is national interests, and decisions about the country's issues are made through a specific process. He stated, "We will not allow the US to determine the time of war and peace, and we will defend ourselves for as long as necessary." The US and the Israeli regime launched their illegal war of aggression against Iran on February 28. However, forty days later, on April 8, the enemies were forced to accept a ceasefire amid Iran's resistance and retaliatory operations. On June 17, Tehran and Washington signed a Pakistan-brokered Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to end all hostilities and prepare for further negotiations. However, Washington violated all provisions of the understanding, prompting Iran to deliver a firm response. According to Mehr News, the spokesman's remarks underscore Iran's stance on maintaining control over its national security decisions.