US and Iran Exchange Threats Amid Efforts to Contain Escalation

Throughout Saturday, verbal exchanges and threats continued between the United States and Iran, yet despite Israeli concerns about possible escalation, officials indicate a low likelihood of renewed fighting or a broader war. Senior Jerusalem officials, in frequent contact with Washington counterparts, told Channel 13 that the US administration is attempting to contain the incident and avoid further escalation. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seeks to meet former US President Donald Trump in Washington, though no date has been set. Officials also noted that further incidents could occur in the coming weeks.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei issued a written statement pledging revenge for the death of his father, Ali Khamenei, who was buried on Thursday. Mojtaba declared that the revenge will be carried out regardless of his or other senior officials’ presence. Concurrently, an Iranian source told the Fars news agency that Iran will not negotiate unless the US withdraws its positions. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi traveled to Muscat, Oman, to discuss safe passage arrangements for ships through the Strait of Hormuz.

Saudi Al-Hadath network reported that Washington sent a message to mediators warning it will not tolerate disruptions to freedom of navigation, viewing Iranian non-compliance as military escalation. Earlier, CBS reported that Tehran contacted Washington admitting a "mistake" in the attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, blaming rogue elements acting without official orders. However, Araghchi tweeted that Iran fulfilled its commitments and that violations came from the US side.

The Trump administration demands a public Iranian admission of fault, viewing the attacks as a breach of a memorandum of understanding. White House officials told The Wall Street Journal that a nuclear deal will not be achieved through diplomacy, accusing Iran of failing to meet the memorandum’s conditions. They require Iran to publicly declare it will not attack more tankers, warning Tehran will pay a heavy price if the strait is not reopened by Saturday evening.

On Tuesday, Channel 13 reported that Mojtaba Khamenei is the key decision-maker in Iran from hiding, having decided on the ceasefire, though he has not appeared publicly. Sources suggest his absence is due to plastic surgeries altering his appearance.