Tehran, Aug 2026 : Iran will not agree to end the conflict on terms dictated by what it described as “aggressive” parties, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said on Monday, reaffirming Tehran’s position that it would continue defending its territory and national interests.
Speaking at a weekly press conference in Tehran, Baghaei said Iran did not initiate the war but would not allow its conclusion to be determined by the conditions imposed by those responsible for aggression.
“We have definitely not been the party to start the war, but we will not let the war's end be based on the aggressive parties' conditions,” Baghaei said.
He stressed that Iran remained committed to protecting its territorial integrity and would not compromise with parties it considers aggressors or accept what he called excessive demands.
The spokesperson also rejected recent US claims concerning the Strait of Hormuz, particularly assertions that the strategic waterway remained fully open and that millions of barrels of oil were continuing to pass through it each day. Baghaei described such statements as part of what he termed an American “psychological and media warfare” campaign.
He also criticised Washington’s newly announced economic campaign against Iran, saying Tehran would rely on its diplomatic and international capabilities to counter the impact of US sanctions.
Baghaei described the sanctions as measures that undermine free trade and national sovereignty and said Iran would use its “multilateral capacities” to oppose the American economic pressure.
The Iranian official further warned countries that assist US efforts against Tehran that they could face consequences. He also described the US naval blockade as an “act of aggression”, further escalating the rhetoric between the two countries.
Asked about reports in Western media suggesting that Iran could target US military bases in Europe if hostilities resumed, Baghaei said Tehran reserved the right to respond to the source of any aggression.
He said Iran could target the origin of an attack if another country allowed its military bases, facilities or equipment to be used for operations against Iranian territory.
The comments come amid an uncertain ceasefire arrangement between the parties. A ceasefire was reached on April 8, followed by a Memorandum of Understanding signed by Iran and the United States on June 18 concerning an end to the war on all fronts, including Lebanon.
However, sporadic attacks reportedly continued from both sides, and the MoU was not renewed after it expired, leaving the broader situation fragile.
Tensions have also risen following Washington’s latest economic measures against Tehran. US President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced what he called “the most crushing economic operation ever taken” against countries providing Iran with an economic lifeline.
Trump described the campaign as an “economic D-Day”, signalling that Washington intends to intensify financial and commercial pressure on Tehran and countries continuing economic engagement with Iran.
Baghaei’s remarks indicate that Tehran remains opposed to accepting externally imposed conditions for ending hostilities and is preparing to resist further US economic and military pressure.
