Iran Says It Is “Fully Prepared” to Defend Itself
Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, said Tehran is “firmly committed to seeking a dignified peaceful resolution” but is “also fully prepared to defend ourselves”, adding that Washington had shown no willingness to reach an understanding. President Pezeshkian said the US could not expect dialogue while blockading Iran. Brent was little changed at about $108.
The Revolutionary Guards said on Tuesday that naval mines had halted tankers using routes Tehran deems unauthorised, claiming two “violating oil tankers were set ablaze”. Houthi strikes on Saudi Aramco facilities at Yanbu and Shaybah have added to supply worries. In London, the son of Lindsay and Craig Foreman, the British couple held in Evin Prison for 656 days, handed the government a petition of more than 100,000 signatures; the Foreign Office said their “health and welfare is a top priority”. With diplomacy stalled on both sides’ public account, oil is pricing a long disruption rather than a settlement.