Iran Accuses US of Collapse: Return to Table

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is pointing the finger at Washington for the breakdown of a temporary arrangement intended to bring the conflict with the United States and Israel to a close. Speaking in comments carried by Press TV, Pezeshkian placed the responsibility for the current impasse squarely on American shoulders, even as fears rise that hostilities might flare up again as soon as this weekend.

The warning follows remarks from US President Donald Trump on Friday regarding a potential resumption of action. Trump indicated he "may do another little Epic Fury," a reference to the joint US and Israeli operation against Iran that began on February 28. Despite the accusations regarding the failure to finalize the interim pact, the Iranian president stated that both parties should return to the table to "conclude it" and finalize the agreement.

Tensions are high across the region as military preparations appear to be underway. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issued a stern caution via the semi-official Fars News Agency, stating that even a limited strike would be met with a retaliatory response "several times greater" in scale. Further restricting the operational space for US forces, Armed Forces Chief of Staff Ali Abdollahi declared on Saturday that the American military would not be permitted to enter the Gulf "under any circumstances and at any time," adding that President Trump could only "dream" of such a deployment.

The rhetoric from Tehran remains firm regarding national sovereignty. Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani asserted that the nation will not "wait for permission to defend itself," emphasizing that while the country seeks peace, it will answer aggression with severe consequences. In a written statement, she added, "Our position is clear: we do not flee from dialogue for peace, and we do not hesitate in defending the country. Those who harbour the illusion of destroying Iran must correct their calculations."

The political stakes are rising for leadership in both Washington and Jerusalem. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reaffirmed his commitment to changing the government in Iran, while President Trump has signaled the possibility of further military action. Both leaders face significant electoral tests in the near future. Israelis are scheduled to vote for their next government on Tuesday, October 27, followed closely by crucial midterm elections in the United States on November 3.

In the United States, the midterm contests will determine control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Democrats have the potential to gain control of both chambers, an outcome that would be a significant setback for Trump as he enters the final two years of his term in office. The geopolitical friction coincides with these sensitive political calendars on both sides.

Domestically, Iran is also dealing with the aftermath of the violence that began earlier this year. Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, who took the position following the death of his father during the opening strikes on February 28, met with judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei on Saturday. Their discussion included addressing corruption and securing compensation for citizens affected by the US-Israeli war.

Khamenei has not been seen in public since assuming his role in early March. Meanwhile, Parliament Speaker and chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf was reported to have met with the Supreme Leader earlier in the week, though details of those discussions were not released. As the weekend progresses, the international community is watching for signs of whether the call for a new deal will be met with talks or further strikes.