Pezeshkian Blames US for Collapse of Iran Ceasefire

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian placed the blame on the United States for the failure of the interim agreement designed to end the conflict with America and Israel. He made these remarks during an interview broadcast on Iranian Press TV on Saturday. The comments arrive at a tense moment when many fear the fighting could start again very soon. Pezeshkian argued that Washington is responsible for the unraveling of the deal. Despite this criticism, he stated that both sides should go back to the agreement. He urged them to conclude the process rather than let it fall apart completely.

The situation has grown more precarious in recent days. On Friday, US President Donald Trump hinted at further military action against Iran. He used the codename Epic Fury, which refers to the joint US-Israeli war that began on February 28. Trump said he might launch another round of these operations. This statement heightened concerns that military action could resume as early as this weekend. The threat of renewed strikes has put pressure on diplomatic efforts to maintain the fragile status quo.

Iranian military leaders have reacted strongly to the threats. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issued a warning through the semi-official Fars News Agency. They stated that even limited strikes would provoke a response several times greater in scale. Ali Abdollahi, the Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, spoke on Saturday about US naval presence. He declared that the US military would not be allowed into the Gulf under any circumstances. Abdollahi told Trump that he could only dream of seeing US forces in that region. He added that Trump would take that dream to the grave.

Political pressures are mounting on both sides of the conflict. Trump has suggested he may take further action against Iran. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains committed to overthrowing the Iranian government. Both leaders face significant domestic political challenges. Israelis are set to choose their next government in an election on Tuesday. Trump faces a crucial test for his Republican Party on November 3. The midterm elections could see Democrats win control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Such a result would be a major blow to Trump, who still has more than two years left in his final term.

The Iranian government has clarified its stance on defense and diplomacy. Fatemeh Mohajerani, the government spokesperson, spoke on Saturday about Tehran's position. She said Iran would not wait for permission to defend itself. She emphasized that the country seeks peace but will respond to any aggression with severe consequences. Mohajerani wrote in a memo that their position is clear. They do not flee from dialogue for peace. However, they also do not hesitate in defending the country. She noted that those who harbor the illusion of destroying Iran must correct their calculations.

Behind the scenes, key figures in the Iranian leadership have been meeting. Judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei met with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei on Saturday. The two discussed how to tackle corruption within the system. They also talked about pursuing compensation for Iranians affected by the US-Israeli war. These meetings signal a focus on internal stability and recovery. The judiciary chief and the supreme leader worked through several other issues during their discussion.

The role of the Supreme Leader has remained largely out of public view. Mojtaba Khamenei replaced his father as supreme leader after the older leader was assassinated. This tragic event occurred during the opening strikes of the war on February 28. Since assuming the position in early March, Khamenei has not been seen in public. His absence adds a layer of mystery to Iran's decision-making process. However, he remains the ultimate authority in the country's political and religious hierarchy.

Diplomatic channels have also been active recently. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Parliament Speaker and chief negotiator, was reported to have met Khamenei earlier this week. This meeting likely focused on the state of negotiations with the US. It also probably addressed the military threats posed by the potential return of strikes. The coordination between the negotiator and the supreme leader is crucial for Iran's strategy. It ensures that military and diplomatic efforts are aligned with the country's long-term goals.

The coming days will be critical for the future of the conflict. If Trump follows through on his threats, the situation could escalate quickly. The Iranian warning of a larger response suggests a high risk of a broader war. The upcoming Israeli election and the US midterms will also influence how both leaders act. A decisive victory for Democrats in the US could change the political landscape. It might push Trump to seek a quicker resolution or a more aggressive stance. All eyes are on the Gulf this weekend to see if the truce holds or if the fighting resumes.

For now, the interim deal remains technically in place but is under severe strain. Pezeshkian's call to conclude it suggests a desire for a formal end to the hostilities. However, the military posturing from both sides indicates that trust is low. The US and Iran are navigating a complex web of military, political, and diplomatic factors. The outcome of this crisis will have lasting implications for the region. It will also shape the political futures of key leaders in the US and Israel.