Iran FM: Trump 'buying time to implement military plans' — acknowledges regional mediation, refers it to Washington

Iran's Foreign Ministry issued a statement via Mehr news agency on Day 24, responding to Trump's 5-day postponement of Iranian power plant strikes. **Key statements (Mehr/Foreign Ministry):** - Trump's statements are 'part of efforts to reduce energy prices and buy time to implement his military plans' - 'Yes, there are initiatives from regional countries to reduce tensions, and our response to all of them is clear: we are not the party that started this war, and all these requests should be referred to Washington' **Analysis of each element:** **'Reduce energy prices'**: Iran is accusing Trump of using the 5-day pause as a short-term economic measure — calming oil markets (Brent had surged past $112) rather than genuinely seeking peace. This reframes Trump's pause as market manipulation, not diplomacy. **'Buy time to implement military plans'**: A direct reference to reported US planning for a Kharg Island occupation or blockade. Iran is publicly warning that the pause may be cover for military repositioning. This aligns with the Guardian's report that the USS Tripoli Marine group is en route to the Gulf. **'Regional country initiatives'**: Iran formally acknowledges that intermediary countries (most likely Oman, Qatar, or Turkey) have been carrying messages between Washington and Tehran. This confirms back-channel activity — but Iran insists Washington, not Tehran, must respond. **'Not the party that started this war'**: Iran's standard diplomatic framing, asserting victim status and placing the moral burden on Washington to de-escalate. **Significance vs prior IRGC statement**: While the IRGC/Fars denied any contact at 12:00 UTC, the Foreign Ministry now acknowledges regional initiatives and addresses Trump's motive more specifically. The FM statement is diplomatically authoritative (above IRGC in the civilian government hierarchy) and implies there IS something to respond to, even if Iran disputes Trump's characterization.