Iran president says return to war benefits ‘no one’ after reported US strikes

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said a return to war would benefit “no one” after reported US strikes on Qeshm island in the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran said it retained the right to legitimate self-defence, while negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Iran was ready for battle and that Washington had the choice to prevent war. Pezeshkian said his government was still pursuing a resolution through dialogue, with the supreme leader having granted it new powers to negotiate. Qatar, which is mediating indirect talks, said it remained hopeful that an interim deal could be reached.