By The conditional ceasefire between Iran and the US-Israel side, which began in early April 2026, remains in place but shows increasing signs of strain. On April 28, an Iranian army spokesperson declared that the country still considers itself in a “war situation” despite the pause in major hostilities. The statement came as indirect talks over the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear program continue to stall. Brigadier General Mohammad Akrami Nia emphasized that Iranian forces maintain high readiness and have updated their target lists and equipment.
Iran’s Official Military Statement
The Iranian army spokesperson made the remarks during an interview with state media. He said the armed forces do not view the war as over and continue to operate under wartime conditions. According to the general, the military has updated its bank of objectives and improved coordination between the regular army and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
This public declaration signals that Tehran sees the current pause as temporary rather than the end of the conflict. It also serves as a warning that any new actions by the United States or Israel would be met with updated tactics and capabilities. The tone reflects deep mistrust toward the other side and a determination to stay prepared.
Reasons for Maintaining a War Posture
Iranian officials point to the ongoing US naval blockade of Iranian ports and the restricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz as evidence that the conflict has not truly ended. They argue that these measures amount to continued economic warfare and justify keeping forces on high alert.
The military also cites recent Israeli strikes in Lebanon and what it describes as American provocations in the Gulf. By declaring a continued war situation, Iran aims to preserve internal unity and send a clear message that it will not lower its guard while core disputes over the nuclear program and the strategic waterway remain unresolved.
Impact on the Fragile Ceasefire
The statement adds pressure to the already delicate ceasefire. While large-scale fighting has not resumed, low-level incidents continue in related theaters, including Lebanon. The Iranian army’s position suggests limited confidence that current diplomatic channels will produce a lasting agreement soon.
Both sides accuse the other of violating the spirit of the pause. The US maintains its blockade to keep leverage on the nuclear issue, while Iran links any full reopening of the strait to the lifting of those restrictions. This cycle keeps the region on edge and complicates efforts by mediators in Pakistan and elsewhere.
Domestic and Regional Messaging
Inside Iran, the declaration helps reinforce the narrative of resilience against external pressure. It reassures hardliners and the public that the leadership remains vigilant after the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and the damage from earlier strikes. Coordination between different branches of the military has reportedly improved during the conflict.
Regionally, the statement draws attention from Gulf states concerned about renewed disruptions to oil flows. It also complicates parallel ceasefire efforts in Lebanon, where Israeli and Hezbollah actions continue to test another fragile truce. Neighbors watch closely to see whether Iran’s heightened posture leads to new provocations or remains mostly rhetorical.
Challenges for Ongoing Negotiations
The Iranian army’s position makes it harder for diplomats to build momentum. The Trump administration has rejected proposals that postpone nuclear concessions, insisting on upfront commitments. Tehran, meanwhile, shows no willingness to make major nuclear concessions while under what it calls a blockade.
This gap in expectations leaves mediators with little room to maneuver. The army’s updated target list and continued surveillance suggest Iran is preparing for multiple scenarios, including the possibility that talks collapse and fighting resumes. Such signaling raises the risk of miscalculation in the crowded waters of the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman.
Current Outlook in the Gulf
As April ends, Iranian forces remain on high alert along the coast and in the Strait of Hormuz. Shipping volumes stay well below normal levels, contributing to elevated energy prices and supply concerns worldwide. The army’s declaration adds another layer of uncertainty at a time when both sides claim they want de-escalation but refuse to compromise on core demands.
The coming weeks will test whether the conditional ceasefire can hold or if the military’s wartime posture becomes a self-fulfilling prediction. For now, the gap between the pause on paper and the reality on the ground continues to widen, leaving the region in a tense and unpredictable state.