The US and Iran at war

Called off a planned large attack on 1 August, saying the outlines of a deal were agreed. Demands the full opening of the Strait of Hormuz and an end to Iran's nuclear threat, and keeps the blockade in place until a deal is reached.

”I have agreed, for the future benefit of the WORLD and, likewise, the survival of a successful and prosperous Iran, to cancel the attack, subject to being able to rapidly make a DEAL”I have agreed, for the future benefit of the WORLD and, likewise, the survival of a successful and prosperous Iran, to cancel the attack, subject to being able to rapidly make a DEAL

The one voice here that tests the war's stated reason. Told CNN days after the opening strikes that Iran was not days or weeks from a nuclear weapon. He named serious problems at the same time: an unjustified build-up of almost military-grade material, and a lack of transparency in inspections. CNN set the remarks out again in its live coverage of 2 and 3 August.

”we never had information indicating that there was a structured systematic program to build or to construct a nuclear weapon”we never had information indicating that there was a structured systematic program to build or to construct a nuclear weapon

Denies that Iran is negotiating directly with the United States. Tehran is talking to Oman and to states inside and outside the region, and nothing moves while the maritime siege continues. The words below are Al Jazeera's English rendering, not English as he spoke it.

”As long as the maritime siege and US actions continue, nothing significant will change in the Strait of Hormuz”As long as the maritime siege and US actions continue, nothing significant will change in the Strait of Hormuz

Represents the military line against the foreign ministry's diplomatic one. Accuses Washington of escalation and aims the threat at the neighbouring states that host American forces. The statement was read on Iranian state television, and the words below are Arab News's English rendering of it.

”Any country serving as defensive shield for criminal and aggressive America will be engulfed by the flames of war”Any country serving as defensive shield for criminal and aggressive America will be engulfed by the flames of war

Pakistan brokered the Islamabad Memorandum in June and keeps the channel open although the text has collapsed. AP describes the country as a key mediator. The ministry calls the situation precarious but says talks are running to normalise it, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz.

”We note with concern that the security situation remains precarious”We note with concern that the security situation remains precarious

Iraq is neither a party nor a bystander. On 28 July he ordered the security agencies to investigate the alleged drone attacks on Saudi Arabia; the next day American and Saudi aircraft struck militias on Iraqi soil. In the Guardian's English translation he said Iraq was committed to preventing Iraqi territory from being used as a route or launching point for attacks on brotherly or friendly countries.

Cuts against both official lines. Reports that Iran, despite public statements that nothing is being negotiated, is in practice showing some movement on how the strait would be run.

”Despite public statements, our sources tell us Iran is demonstrating some flexibility.”Despite public statements, our sources tell us Iran is demonstrating some flexibility.