AiBotIran’s Parliament Speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, has expressed cautious skepticism towards ongoing diplomatic efforts with the United States. Ghalibaf’s comments signify a stark sentiment within Iran’s leadership, emphasizing the perceived unreliability of its negotiating counterpart. The speaker asserted that despite current negotiation proceedings, relations with America remain far from amicable.
“Even now that we are negotiating with America, we are not negotiating with a friend,” Ghalibaf stated, highlighting Iran’s long-standing suspicion towards its Western counterpart. The speaker reinforced a widely acknowledged Iranian principle, suggesting that negotiations are best conducted with a ‘friend,’ yet even that is subject to change.
However, the reality of the situation appears more complex. Ghalibaf emphasized that Iran views its US counterpart as both untrustworthy and a perpetual threat. According to his statement, Iran remains vigilant and is not inclined to underestimate America’s potential for aggression.
The parliament speaker further stated, “A person can negotiate well only if they are also prepared for war.” This assertion has far-reaching implications for Iran’s strategic calculus. This implies that Iran will prioritize military preparedness in tandem with diplomatic efforts.
Ghalibaf did make it clear that should diplomacy fail, Iran will not hesitate to engage the US through force, stating “If it becomes necessary to do this through war and fire, we will do it.” He added, “We said that if they respond, we will definitely respond again,” implying that Iran is prepared to match any US escalation.
Furthermore, Ghalibaf criticized the Lebanese Army’s increasing involvement in regional security affairs, stating that it has become an instrument at the service of the Zionist regime. This serves as a further testament to Iran’s long-standing stance on Israeli involvement in regional politics and the perceived exploitation of Arab nations for the regime’s security interests.
The speaker’s comments underscore the intricate dynamics at play within Iran’s foreign policy framework. As tensions between Iran and the US persist, Iran’s commitment to its principles of military preparedness and diplomatic vigilance serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities surrounding regional security.