Iran vows stronger military preparedness despite Trump’s pause on fresh strikes
TEHRAN, AUGUST: Iran has declared that it will continue strengthening its military capabilities despite US President Donald Trump’s decision to pause fresh military strikes to allow negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear programme and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Acting Defence Minister Majid Ibn al-Reza said Iran regarded every threat from its adversaries as “real and credible” and would not lower its guard under any circumstances.
Speaking to state media, he said Tehran would neither be “caught off guard” nor remain passive, even if such threats were intended as psychological pressure. Instead, Iran would use them to further enhance its military readiness, deterrence and defence capabilities.
His remarks came a day after Trump announced that the United States would suspend plans for another military strike while diplomatic efforts continued to secure an agreement on Iran’s nuclear programme and ensure the reopening of the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said several Middle Eastern countries, along with Iran, had requested additional time to finalise an agreement that would ensure the “immediate, complete and total” reopening of the waterway and eliminate what he described as Iran’s nuclear threat.
Trump said he had agreed to cancel the planned attack, provided a deal could be reached quickly. He also claimed that Israel supported the decision.
According to Saudi Arabia’s official SPA news agency, Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also discussed efforts to reduce regional tensions, with the Crown Prince stressing the importance of dialogue and diplomatic solutions.
The latest diplomatic initiative follows more than five months of conflict that began in February after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iranian targets. An earlier ceasefire had collapsed, leading to renewed hostilities and heightened tensions across the region.
The conflict has disrupted stability in the Middle East, pushed global oil prices higher and raised concerns over maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest energy shipping routes.
(Agencies)
