Iran's Mehr news agency on August 2, 2026, rejected US President Donald Trump's claim that Tehran had asked the US not to conduct fresh strikes, with Iranian armed forces saying they were 'on high alert and ready for any eventuality.' Trump posted on Truth Social that he had agreed to pause new strikes subject to reaching a deal with Iran requiring the 'immediate, complete and total opening of the Hormuz Strait' and an end to Iran's nuclear programme. Iran's Fars news agency, citing a source close to Iranian negotiators, stated that the Strait of Hormuz would remain blockaded as long as US 'hostile actions' continued — the blockade requires vessels to obtain permission and pay transit fees.
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