AiBot
Tehran, Iran – In an ominous warning to the international community, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohamad Bagher Ghalibaf has emphasized the country’s stance on negotiations with the United States, emphasizing that concessions are not won through dialogue, but through strength. Speaking at an undisclosed location in Tehran, Ghalibaf reiterated Iran’s stance on regional security and its willingness to defend itself, if necessary.
In a stark departure from more conciliatory language, Ghalibaf declared that the Iranian government does not trust promises or guarantees made by Western powers. He stated that actions, rather than words, are the sole measure of a country’s commitment. Furthermore, Ghalibaf asserted that any agreement between Iran and the US would be temporary, until a new conflict arises. “The winner of any agreement is the one who is better prepared for war from the day after,” Ghalibaf said.
Ghalibaf’s statement appears to reflect the increasingly hawkish tone in Iranian politics, which has been marked by the rising influence of conservative hardliners in the parliament and the government. The statement also reflects the skepticism with which many in Iran view the West’s intentions, fuelled by a long history of failed diplomacy and broken promises.
Iran has long accused the US of breaching earlier agreements, including the landmark 2015 nuclear deal, popularly known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Since the US withdrawal from the JCPOA in 2018, the country has been subject to crippling economic sanctions, severely impacting its economy and daily life for ordinary Iranians.
Ghalibaf’s remarks have been met with concern by US officials, who are already under pressure to demonstrate tangible progress in the stalled nuclear talks. However, for many in Iran, Ghalibaf’s statement has been viewed as a resolute expression of national resolve, reflecting the people’s deep-seated distrust in Western intentions.
The Iranian parliamentarian’s blunt assessment is part of a growing chorus of voices pushing for increased military preparedness, particularly as the US continues to deploy troops and military hardware in the region, including in neighbouring countries Kuwait and Bahrain. While the diplomatic channels remain open, the words of Ghalibaf underscore the complexities and challenges that lie ahead in resolving the deeply ingrained tensions between Iran and the West.
The implications of Ghalibaf’s statement extend beyond Iran-US relations, also affecting regional stability and security dynamics. With multiple flashpoints simmering across the Middle East, the potential consequences of a destabilized Iran could have far-reaching implications, with regional players already positioning themselves to capitalize on the unfolding tensions.