Pezeshkian blames US for Iran truce collapse, warns of weekend strikes

Tensions between Washington and Tehran rose on Saturday as Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian placed the blame for the failed interim war pact squarely on the United States. Speaking in comments broadcast by Press TV, Pezeshkian stated that both nations should return to the agreement to conclude it. His remarks came as fears grew that military operations could restart as early as the weekend. US President Donald Trump told reporters on Friday that he might launch another "little Epic Fury," referencing the codename for the conflict that began on February 28.

The interim deal was designed to stop the fighting between the United States, Israel, and Iran. Its collapse leaves the region on edge. The war started on February 28 with opening strikes that led to the assassination of the previous Supreme Leader. Mojtaba Khamenei replaced his father in early March and has not appeared in public since taking office.

Iranian military officials issued strong warnings in response to the potential for renewed attacks. Ali Abdollahi, the Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, said on Saturday that the US military would not be permitted in the Gulf under any circumstances. He added that Trump could only dream of seeing American forces enter the region, a dream he would take to the grave. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps also warned through the Fars News Agency that even limited strikes would provoke a response several times greater in scale.

Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani emphasized Tehran's readiness to act. In a memo issued on Saturday, she wrote that Iran would not wait for permission to defend itself. Mohajerani noted that the country seeks peace but will respond to aggression with severe consequences. She stated that those who believe they can destroy Iran must correct their calculations.

Political pressure surrounds both leaders as they consider their next moves. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains committed to overthrowing the Iranian government. Israelis will vote for their next government on Tuesday. Trump faces midterm elections on November 3, where Republicans risk losing control of both the House and Senate to Democrats.

Behind the scenes, Iranian leaders are coordinating on the war's aftermath. Judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei met with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei on Saturday. They discussed tackling corruption and pursuing compensation for citizens affected by the conflict. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who serves as the chief negotiator, met with Khamenei earlier this week.