TEHRAN, July 28, 2026 — Iran has rejected suggestions that it is seeking a ceasefire with the United States, stating that it stopped its retaliatory operations only after Washington paused its own strikes.
According to reports circulating Tuesday, Iranian officials emphasized that their decision was strictly reciprocal. “Americans stopped their attacks over the past two nights. Since our strategy has been entirely retaliatory, we also stopped our retaliatory operations,” Iranian army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia said.
A senior Iranian source speaking to Reuters reinforced the position: “Iran’s position remains ‘attack for attack’: If the attacks stop, Iran will also halt its operations. That message has already been conveyed to the United States.” The source added that Tehran remains skeptical, viewing the U.S. pause as likely tactical rather than a genuine de-escalation.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry has also denied seeking to resume negotiations at this stage.
The mutual halt follows 13 consecutive nights of U.S. airstrikes targeting Iranian military sites around the Strait of Hormuz. Iran had responded with attacks on locations hosting U.S. forces in neighboring countries, including Bahrain and Kuwait. The U.S. suspended its campaign late Friday, with no strikes reported over the subsequent nights.
The pause comes amid a broader conflict that reignited after an earlier interim understanding collapsed in early July. Both sides continue to accuse each other of violations related to shipping in the strategic waterway and military posture in the region. Oil markets have shown some relief at the temporary calm, though officials on both sides have warned that the situation remains fragile.
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