Iranian officials deny Trump's claims that Iran, Gulf leaders asked Iran to halt strikes - report

Iranian officials have formally rejected claims made by U.S. President Donald Trump that Tehran and various Gulf leaders requested the United States refrain from launching military strikes against Iran. The Iranian Mehr news agency characterized the president's assertions as a fabrication, stating that the nation's armed forces remain on high alert and prepared for any potential conflict.

President Trump had previously stated on August 1 that while the U.S. was prepared to take military action against the Islamic Republic, he opted to hold off following requests from Tehran and other regional powers. Iranian representatives have dismissed these claims as a strategic attempt to exert pressure on Gulf state rulers through intimidation and political blackmail.