Iran's Pezeshkian Says US Broke Interim Deal as Gulf Troop Row Intensifies

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Saturday that Washington was responsible for the failure of an interim agreement meant to end the war involving the United States and Israel, while urging both sides to resume the deal and "conclude it". His remarks were broadcast by Iranian Press TV.

The IRGC warned through the semi-official Fars News Agency that limited strikes would draw a response "several times greater". Iranian Armed Forces Chief of Staff Ali Abdollahi said the US military would not be allowed into the Gulf "under any circumstances and at any time", adding that Trump could only "dream" of such an entry and would take that dream to the grave.

US President Donald Trump said on Friday he "may do another little Epic Fury", the codename for the war against Iran that began on February 28. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he remains committed to overthrowing Iran's government. Israeli voters choose their next government on Tuesday, and US midterm elections follow on November 3.

Iranian government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said Tehran would not "wait for permission to defend itself", adding that Iran "seeks peace but will respond to any aggression with severe consequences". She wrote that those who believe Iran can be destroyed "must correct their calculations".

Judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei met Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei to discuss corruption and compensation for Iranians affected by the war. Khamenei took the role after his father was assassinated during the opening strikes on February 28 and has not been seen in public since assuming the position in early March.

Iranian officials have issued competing signals in recent days. Parliament Speaker and chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf was reported to have met Khamenei earlier this week.