Iran warns US it will not allow naval access to Gulf as truce collapses

The interim agreement designed to end the conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel has unraveled, with Tehran placing full responsibility on Washington. President Masoud Pezeshkian told Iranian state television on Saturday that the US caused the deal's failure. He added that both nations should return to negotiations to conclude the pact.

Tensions have risen sharply following President Donald Trump's comments on Friday. He indicated he might launch another operation under the codename Epic Fury, the name used for the campaign that began on February 28. Military analysts and officials now fear that new strikes could occur as soon as this weekend. The US president has signaled a willingness to resume military action against Iranian targets.

Iranian military leaders have issued strong warnings in response to the deteriorating diplomatic situation. Ali Abdollahi, the Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, stated on Saturday that US forces would not enter the Gulf under any circumstances. He described the idea of a US naval presence in the region as a dream that Trump would take to his grave. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps also warned through the Fars News Agency that even limited strikes would provoke a response several times greater in scale.

Political pressures in the West are influencing the pace of the conflict. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains committed to overthrowing the Iranian government. Israeli voters will choose their next government on Tuesday. In the United States, the Republican Party faces midterm elections on November 3. Democrats hold the potential to control both the House of Representatives and the Senate, which would significantly limit Trump's legislative power during the final two years of his term.

Tehran has maintained that it does not seek war but will defend its territory. Fatemeh Mohajerani, the government spokesperson, wrote in a memo that Iran would not wait for permission to defend itself. She stated that the country seeks peace but will respond to aggression with severe consequences. Mohajerani added that those hoping to destroy Iran must correct their calculations. Her remarks align with the broader stance that dialogue is open, but military readiness is high.

Internal leadership meetings have continued despite the external threats. Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, the judiciary chief, met with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei on Saturday. They discussed corruption and compensation for citizens affected by the war that started on February 28. Khamenei assumed the supreme leader role in early March after his father was assassinated during the opening strikes. He has not appeared in public since taking office. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Parliament Speaker and chief negotiator, met with Khamenei earlier this week.