"We are still holding the trigger," says Iran as it seeks "negotiated settlement" to end war

Calling Iran's 14-point peace proposal "a piece of garbage", Trump has said, "They (Iran) are on life support. The ceasefire is on massive life support."

An Iranian government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani characterised the country's military posture as one of guarded readiness. "We fought the world's greatest military power for 40 days, and we are still holding the trigger and waiting for a negotiated settlement," she was quoted as saying by the Iranian Students' News Agency (ISNA).

Following 40 days of severe military engagement and economic disruption since February 28, the ceasefire between Washington and Tehran commenced on April 8, with negotiations still in process.

However, she said the Islamic Republic's preference lies in a diplomatic resolution rather than continued conflict. "Our main focus is on lasting peace," Mohajerani asserted

Guiding this dual approach of military vigilance and political engagement is a set of core ideological tenets. Mohajerani explained that the state's strategy is rooted in historical guidance, noting, "and as the martyred leader said, we pursue diplomatic issues with the three principles of honour, wisdom and expediency."

This pursuit of a "negotiated settlement" carries significant domestic weight, as the Iranian government has pledged that unrestricted internet access will be restored across the country once the ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel resolves.

Addressing the severe digital restrictions that have defined the wartime period, Mohajerani emphasised that the administration views connectivity as a fundamental entitlement rather than a luxury.

"The government's approach is equitable access to all infrastructure, including the internet. We recognise internet access as a civil right, and this is exactly the President's view as well. We do not recognise discrimination and injustice, and we oppose them," she stated.

The restoration of these rights is also being framed as a vital economic necessity. She further noted that the state's "pro internet policy aims to provide businesses with access to high-quality internet," suggesting that the current limitations are an unfortunate byproduct of the wartime environment.

She added that "after a return to normal conditions, God willing, this situation too will return to normal."

Millions of people in Iran have been enduring a near-total internet blackout since the outbreak of hostilities on February 28, as only government-approved websites have remained accessible. (ANI)