Iranian state television declared in the early hours of Wednesday local time that Iran has become the "victor on the battlefield," citing control of the Strait of Hormuz as an "extremely valuable bargaining chip" gained in the conflict.
While agreeing to a suspension of military combat, Iran stressed that "the war is not yet over."
The statement came in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement extending the ceasefire deadline, and was accompanied by a defiant message from Iran's armed forces warning of readiness to strike back.
Iranian state television emphasized that Iran must remain vigilant against any suggestion that it must negotiate or face attack. Even if the maritime blockade is lifted, Iran's participation in talks would be conditional on no infringement of its independence and dignity, with particular emphasis on its defense and missile capabilities as well as its nuclear program.
The broadcaster stressed that uranium enrichment, its level, any potential dilution, and ownership of enriched uranium are all "internal affairs of Iran" that the enemy must not interfere with.
Meanwhile, Commander of the Iranian Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi said on Tuesday that Iran's armed forces, united with the government and people, are prepared to respond "decisively and swiftly" to any enemy threat. He claimed that Iran's missile and drone strikes have left Israel and the United States "desperate and exhausted," forcing them to request a ceasefire. He vowed that Iran would not allow the U.S. to "abuse power or fabricate facts" regarding the Strait of Hormuz and would firmly retaliate against any breach of commitments.
Iran's military announced on Tuesday that an Iranian oil tanker, escorted by the Iranian navy, had broken through the U.S. maritime blockade across the Arabian Sea and safely entered Iranian waters.
Amir Saeid Iravani, Permanent Representative of Iran to the United Nations, sent a letter to the UN Secretary-General and Security Council calling for condemnation of the U.S. attack on Iranian commercial vessels and demanding the immediate, unconditional release of seized ships, crew members, and their families.
Iran claims battlefield victory, sets strict negotiation terms
