Tehran: Iran said Monday it is seeking an 'end to the imposed war' rather than a ceasefire with the US, rejecting proposals for a temporary truce and insisting on 'guarantees' to prevent renewed war. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said during a press briefing in Tehran that any pause in fighting would risk allowing Iran's adversaries to regroup.

According to Anadolu Agency, Baqaei emphasized that a ceasefire could serve as an opportunity for the adversaries to rebuild their capabilities. "A deadline must not cause us to have even the slightest hesitation in defending our country," he stated. He argued that a ceasefire would merely provide a short respite for the opposition to fortify their forces and potentially commit further offenses.

Baqaei articulated that Iran's approach focuses on completely ending the conflict, with firm assurances preventing its recurrence. "Our demand is the end of the imposed war, accompanied by guarantees that this vicious cycle will not be repeated," he remarked.

He further elaborated that such assurances should come through deterrence, emphasizing, "The guarantee is precisely this: that the enemy must be made to regret its actions in such a way that it no longer has the courage or audacity to act against Iran's sovereignty."

Expressing skepticism towards international bodies, Baqaei noted the absence of reliable external guarantees. "There is no legal or international guarantee. Unfortunately, the United Nations has shown in most cases that it becomes a tool in the hands of the United States and certain powers," he commented.

The spokesperson stressed the importance of Iran taking responsibility for its own security. "On a matter related to national security and Iran's sovereignty, we must act in a way that we ourselves can establish a firm and reliable guarantee for our national security," he asserted.

Regional tensions have escalated since the US and Israel launched a joint offensive on Iran on Feb. 28, resulting in over 1,340 fatalities, including the then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iran has countered with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, along with Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure, while disrupting global markets and aviation.