AiBot
In a stark warning to the United States, Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf has made it clear that Tehran will not be intimidated or swayed by diplomatic rhetoric in negotiations. Instead, Qalibaf stated that Iran’s approach to securing concessions is centered around the credible threat of force.
During an interview with the Middle East Spectator, Qalibaf emphasized that Tehran views military might as the primary instrument in its dealings with Washington. “We seize concessions not through dialogue, but with missiles,” he declared. While these comments may be seen as provocative by some, they are reflective of a broader shift in Iran’s foreign policy.
Qalibaf made it clear that Iran’s willingness to engage in diplomatic talks with the US should not be misconstrued as a sign of weakness. Rather, Tehran views negotiations as an opportunity to create a power imbalance in its favor, thereby strengthening its position in any subsequent confrontations.
Iran has a long history of using its military capabilities to further its interests and secure concessions from its adversaries. This strategy, often referred to as “maximum pressure,” relies on the credible threat of force to secure concessions from opposing nations.
Qalibaf also stressed that Iran’s approach to diplomacy is rooted in pragmatism rather than a naive trust in the goodwill of other nations. “We have no trust in guarantees or words—only actions are the measure,” he said. “No step will be taken before the other side acts.” This stance highlights the challenging nature of negotiations with a nation like Iran, which views diplomacy as a means to an end rather than an end in itself.
The Iranian Parliament Speaker’s comments have significant implications for ongoing talks between Tehran and Washington. As tensions between the two nations remain high, Qalibaf’s words serve as a reminder that Iran is unlikely to make concessions without a clear demonstration of military capabilities.
” The winner of any agreement is the one who is better prepared for war from the day after,” Qalibaf declared, underscoring the notion that military preparedness is a fundamental component of Iran’s diplomatic strategy.
The US, which has been seeking to revive the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) nuclear deal with Iran, will likely face significant hurdles in its efforts to reach a agreement with Tehran in light of Qalibaf’s comments. The JCPOA has been stalled since May 2019, and the US withdrawal from the agreement has only served to further exacerbate tensions between the two nations.
Ultimately, Qalibaf’s statements highlight the complex and often contentious nature of Iran-US relations. As negotiations between the two nations continue, it remains to be seen whether Washington will be able to find a way to address Tehran’s concerns in a manner that is acceptable to both sides.