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Iran has declared both a military and diplomatic victory in its conflict with the United States and Israel, as efforts to reach a lasting ceasefire remain stalled and tensions continue to rise around the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran had “won both the war and diplomacy,” arguing that opponents who initially demanded Iran’s unconditional surrender later sought negotiations.
Speaking at an event, Araghchi said Iran had resisted what he described as overwhelming military pressure and continued fighting until the other side accepted a ceasefire and negotiations on what he called Iran’s terms.
“We fought with strength, and we negotiated with strength,” Araghchi said, according to Tasnim.
His comments came a day after US President Donald Trump urged Iran to surrender and “raise the white flag.”
Iran has warned that it could adopt a fully offensive military posture after negotiations with Washington stalled.
A senior Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran could take military action in the Strait of Hormuz if diplomacy failed. The official said Iran was prepared to make difficult decisions and respond to what it considers threats to the strategic waterway.
The June 17 Islamabad memorandum had provided a 60-day period for Iran and the US to negotiate a broader agreement covering Tehran’s nuclear programme and sanctions.
However, disagreements over control and security arrangements in the Strait of Hormuz have complicated the process.
Trump said on Monday that Washington was not seeking to extend the interim agreement.
Tensions increased further after the UK Maritime Trade Operations centre reported that a vessel was struck by an unknown projectile while travelling outbound through the Strait of Hormuz.
The incident damaged the vessel’s engine room and resulted in one crew casualty, according to UKMTO. Other crew members received assistance from the Omani Coast Guard.
Authorities reported no environmental impact and launched an investigation.
UKMTO advised vessels using the strategic waterway to exercise caution and report suspicious activity.
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Despite the diplomatic deadlock, reports suggest Washington has maintained indirect communication with Iranian officials.
Axios reported that former US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard communicated with an Iraqi Kurdish leader who has links to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
The report said the intermediary delivered a message to IRGC commander General Ahmad Vahidi.
Trump later confirmed the existence of the communication in an interview with Fox News, according to reports.
Trump’s son-in-law and special envoy Jared Kushner also said communication between Washington and different parts of the Iranian government was more extensive than it may appear publicly.
Iran has argued that the Islamabad memorandum gives it a role in managing the Strait of Hormuz. Washington has rejected that interpretation.
Iran has separately been negotiating with Oman over arrangements for managing the waterway and says the discussions are nearing an agreement.
Trump, however, warned Oman against obstructing US interests and threatened military action if Muscat interfered.
The dispute has added another layer of uncertainty to international shipping and energy markets.
The conflict has already affected global energy markets.
Brent crude futures reached a peak of $126 a barrel during the conflict, about 75% above pre-war levels. Brent later settled at $90.87 a barrel.
US motorists have also faced higher gasoline prices, with average prices rising above $4 a gallon, according to AAA.
Iran entered the conflict while facing inflation, currency weakness, sanctions and energy shortages. Further disruption could place additional pressure on its economy.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke with Trump on Monday about bilateral relations and regional developments.
According to Türkiye’s Communications Directorate, Erdogan stressed the importance of diplomacy and expressed support for continued negotiations between Iran and the US.
The two leaders also discussed Gaza and the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement involving Türkiye, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
Erdogan said Türkiye would continue supporting regional peace and efforts to rebuild Gaza.
Araghchi also condemned a drone attack targeting the office of Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani.
“Nothing justifies the reckless attack,” Araghchi said, warning against what he described as false-flag operations aimed at creating tensions between neighbouring countries.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei called the incident suspicious and urged caution.
He reaffirmed Tehran’s commitment to maintaining relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government.
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