At 3 p.m. ET today, U.S. Central Command forces began launching an additional round of strikes against Iran to continue degrading Iranian capabilities used to attack commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

The strikes are taking place as American forces prepare to resume the naval blockade against Iranian ports and coastal areas. The blockade goes into effect at 4 p.m. ET.

There is no difference between the field [of operations] and diplomacy.

Decisions on foreign policy are made in coordination with the field, especially in times of war.

When a country is in a state of war, diplomacy must adapt to the realities of the situation on the ground. We believe in this principle, and there is no difference in approach in this regard.

The Islamic Republic of Iran will not be the first country to request negotiations with Washington after these criminal actions by the United States. We will never request negotiations with the United States.

If the United States believes that it can force the Islamic Republic to request negotiations by increasing pressure and military actions against Iran, it is gravely mistaken.

Secondly, if the United States believes that with these actions, Iran will back down from its positions regarding the Strait of Hormuz or reduce the restrictions imposed, this is also a mistaken assumption.

Whoever wins tonight, a strong European team will be in the final!