Washington Blamed for Collapse of 2026 Iran Ceasefire

The interim agreement designed to halt the hostilities between the United States, Israel, and Iran has effectively fallen apart, with Tehran now placing the primary responsibility on Washington. President Masoud Pezeshkian stated on Saturday that the US is accountable for the unravelling of the pact, even as he expressed a desire for both nations to return to the negotiating table to finalize the terms. His comments were broadcast by Iranian Press TV, offering a diplomatic signal amidst a backdrop of rising tension and the specter of renewed combat.

The window for potential conflict is narrowing rapidly. Military observers and officials anticipate that fighting could reignite as early as this weekend. This urgency stems directly from remarks made by US President Donald Trump on Friday. He indicated he might launch another operation using the codename 'Epic Fury,' the same designation used for the US-Israeli war that commenced on February 28. The use of this specific term suggests a readiness to escalate if the current stalemate persists.

Iranian military leadership has responded with sharp warnings to deter a new offensive. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps signaled that even limited strikes by the enemy would provoke a retaliatory response several times greater in intensity. These comments were reported by the semi-official Fars News Agency. Furthermore, Ali Abdollahi, the chief of staff for the Iranian Armed Forces, declared on Saturday that US forces would be barred from the Gulf region under all circumstances. He characterized any American entry into the area as a mere dream that Trump would take to his grave.

The political stakes for both adversaries are high as they navigate these military threats. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel has maintained his commitment to toppling the current Iranian government. Both leaders are facing significant electoral hurdles in the coming days. Israeli voters are scheduled to select their next government on Tuesday. In the United States, the Republican Party faces critical midterm elections on November 3. Democrats could seize control of both the House and Senate, an outcome that would deal a substantial blow to Trump, who still has more than two years remaining in his final term.

Tehran’s government has framed its stance as a balance between seeking peace and protecting its sovereignty. Fatemeh Mohajerani, the government spokesperson, issued a memo on Saturday stating that Iran will not wait for permission to defend itself. She emphasized that while the country seeks peace, it will respond to any aggression with severe consequences. Mohajerani added that those who believe they can destroy Iran must correct their calculations, reinforcing the message that dialogue is welcome but defense is non-negotiable.

Behind the scenes, the Iranian leadership is coordinating its response to the war’s aftermath. Judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei met with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei on Saturday. The two discussed strategies for tackling corruption and pursuing compensation for citizens affected by the conflict. Khamenei assumed the supreme leader role after his father was assassinated during the opening strikes on February 28. He has not appeared in public since taking office in early March. Earlier this week, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the speaker of parliament and chief negotiator, was also reported to have met with Khamenei, signaling continued internal coordination.