Iran’s president says his nation will not bow to the US “criminals” after Donald Trump claimed they had requested a ceasefire to the conflict in the Middle East.
In an open letter to the people of the United States, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the war against Iran will continue to be costly for America and warned that their aggression will be seen as a stain in the history books.
“Today, the world stands at a crossroads. Continuing along the path of confrontation is more costly and futile than ever before,” the president wrote.
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“All that remains of them are tarnished names in history, while Iran endures – resilient, dignified and proud.
“The choice between war and peace would shape the future of entire generations.”
A spokesperson for the president also released a statement via social media condemning the US attacks and said Iran will continue to fight in defence of their nation.
“The position of the Islamic Republic of Iran regarding national defense of the country’s integrity against the aggression of enemies and the conditions for ending the imposed war has not changed, and no attention is given to the delusions and falsehoods of criminals,” Seyyed Mehdi Tabatabaei said on X.
“The people of Iran are determined, steadfast, and united in defending their homeland. Unity is the key to our victory.”
The statements are a rare break from protocol for the Iranian leader as the war continues to rage in its fifth week.
On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump said Iran had asked for a ceasefire and attributed the request to Iran’s “New Regime President”.
It remained unclear whom exactly Mr Trump meant by that, and he is expected to give a speech on Wednesday evening (local time) where he will likely respond to Iran’s claims.
The US President issued Iran with an ultimatum that will expire on the evening of April 6, demanding they reopen shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which is critical oil shipping throughout the world.
Since Israel and the US began the war on February 28, shipping through the strait has largely come to a standstill as Iran strangles movement with bombing raids and drone attacks.
