TEHRAN: Iranian Parliament Speaker and senior negotiator Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf said Iran would never end its dispute with the United States by surrendering, warning that Tehran was fully prepared to defend itself if Washington backed away from its commitments.
According to Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB, Qalibaf made the remarks during a meeting with the Speaker of Indonesia’s Parliament. He said ending wars should remain a priority for the international community but stressed that Iran would not compromise its sovereignty under pressure.
“We have never stopped preparing to defend our country,” Qalibaf said, adding that Iran was ready to respond to any threat if the United States failed to honor agreements.
He also reiterated Tehran’s longstanding distrust of Washington, saying Iranian officials had made it clear during negotiations that they had no confidence in the United States.
Last month, Iran and the United States reportedly reached a 14-point memorandum of understanding covering the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, partial easing of sanctions on Iran, technical talks on Tehran’s nuclear programme, and maintaining a ceasefire across all fronts.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington remained willing to continue negotiations with Iran but insisted that the previous ceasefire had come to an end. Trump said Iran had requested further talks, which the United States accepted, while making clear that the ceasefire would not be reinstated.
