Iran-US tension: war would benefit no one, says Iranian president; threatening billboards in Tehran

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said that if war breaks out again, it will benefit no one. He made the remark on Tuesday, a few hours after reports emerged of a US strike on Qeshm, an Iranian island in the Strait of Hormuz.

US media, citing unnamed officials, said the strikes were defensive in nature, but US Central Command has not immediately responded. According to Iran's state news agency IRNA, about five explosions occurred on the island. Iran's Revolutionary Guard has claimed it shot down two US drones over the city of Bandar Khamir in Hormozgan province, a claim the US has not officially responded to.

Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Iran is ready for war and that the decision to stop the war rests with the United States.

On the other hand, US President Donald Trump has said a deal with Iran is possible. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has confirmed that indirect talks are continuing. Qatari foreign ministry spokesperson Majed Al Ansari, who is mediating, said proposals are being exchanged between the two sides. According to Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei, if demands including the release of frozen assets, lifting oil sanctions and ending the port blockade are met, the waterway could be reopened within about two days.

Meanwhile, large billboards carrying threatening messages against Trump have been put up in the capital, Tehran.