Iran war: Tehran says it will not surrender to US, calls diplomacy 'wiser than war'
Amid persistent uncertainty around the Iran war, Tehran said it will 'not surrender' to Washington but that 'diplomacy is wiser than war.' The dual message signals that diplomatic channels remain open after Donald Trump said he had paused a planned new wave of military action.
In remarks carried on Al Jazeera's live blog, an Iranian presidential spokesperson said the United States had been combining intensified military pressure with diplomatic pressure in recent weeks. Tehran is treating Trump's calls for direct talks with caution but is maintaining contact with mediating countries including Oman and Qatar.
Disruption in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz continues. Dozens of supertankers remain in holding zones and oil shipments to Asia are facing delays. Brent prices are staying elevated thanks to the prolonged war risk premium.
In Washington, Congress continues to debate war powers. Democratic senators are gathering signatures for a fresh War Powers resolution. The White House said diplomatic channels are not closed but that 'deterrence measures' remain in place. Mediating countries signalled they would propose a new round of meetings in the coming days.
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