Iran Mocks Trump After U.S. Cancels Attack, Denies Hormuz Strait Deal

Following President Donald Trump's announcement to cancel a planned attack on Iran, Iranian state-affiliated media and officials ridiculed the U.S. president, portraying his decision as another retreat from his threats. Iranian news agencies such as IRNA and Fars framed Trump's cancellation as a repeated pattern of backing down, with IRNA calling it "another retreat from his military threats against Iran." Fars sarcastically quoted Trump’s explanation that he canceled the attack for the sake of world peace and Iran’s preservation, while accusing him of focusing on protecting the U.S. military’s honor amid repeated withdrawals.

The Iranian newspaper Kayhan, known as a mouthpiece for the regime, also criticized Trump’s move, describing it as a retreat following a week of false declarations. Kayhan suggested the cancellation was linked to reports of depleted U.S. air defense systems in the region and urged Iranian officials to reject any negotiations or agreements with the U.S., questioning why Iran had not officially declared a halt to talks until at least February if an agreement was near.

Iranian military sources dismissed Trump’s claim that Iran requested to stop the attacks as "a new lie and a desperate attempt to pressure Gulf rulers." They emphasized that Iranian forces remain at high alert and prepared for any scenario, warning that if conflict becomes unavoidable, the battlefield will reveal who holds the real power. Iran also denied any agreement regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, calling related reports false.

Mohammad Marandi, a former advisor to Iran’s negotiation team with the U.S., tweeted that Trump’s claims were "fake news" and that he had retreated once again. The overall Iranian response highlights Tehran’s stance of defiance and readiness despite the U.S. de-escalation.

The developments come amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran, with Trump’s last-minute cancellation providing Tehran an opportunity to claim a diplomatic victory and reinforce its military preparedness.