Iranian military officials have categorically denied US President Donald Trump's assertion that Tehran requested a cessation of hostilities, characterizing the claims as a coercive maneuver aimed at Gulf state leaders.
The denial, reported by the IRGC-affiliated Mehr News Agency, directly contradicts the White House's narrative that Iran sought a diplomatic off-ramp from the escalating conflict.
The dispute over the ceasefire narrative adds another layer of complexity to the already volatile geopolitical landscape in the Middle East.
Trump's administration has framed the potential halt to strikes as a result of Iranian overtures, while Tehran insists it has not sought such an arrangement.
This divergence in messaging underscores the deep mistrust between the two nations and the high stakes involved in any potential de-escalation.
Markets are closely monitoring the situation, with oil prices remaining sensitive to any developments in the region.