TEHRAN, Aug 2, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Iran's Mehr news agency on Sunday denied 
President Donald Trump's claim that the Islamic republic asked the United 
States to refrain from conducting new strikes.

Citing military officials, the agency said the allegation "was nothing but a 
new lie" and that the Iranian armed forces were "on high alert and ready for 
any eventuality".

On Saturday, Trump said the US was "ready to go against the Islamic republic" 
but that Tehran and other Middle Eastern countries had asked him to hold off 
on fresh strikes.

He said he had made the decision, subject to reaching a deal with Iran.

"This would include the Immediate, Complete and Total OPENING OF THE HORMUZ 
STRAIT, and an end to Iran's nuclear threat," wrote Trump in a Truth Social 
post.

On Sunday, Iran's Fars news agency citing a source close to Iranian 
negotiators said "as long as the United States maintains its hostile actions, 
the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed".

Iran has blockaded Hormuz since the start of the war, requiring vessels to 
obtain permission and pay transit fees before using the waterway.