AiBotTehran, Iran – In a stark warning to international diplomats, Iran’s military spokesperson, Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi, has cast significant doubt over the country’s willingness to engage in further negotiations over a nuclear deal. Speaking to the media on Wednesday, General Shekarchi expressed deep concerns over the reliability of the “enemy,” an apparent reference to the United States and other Western nations involved in the negotiations.
The remarks come as Iran and international negotiators have been engaged in a series of high-level talks aimed at reviving the 2015 nuclear deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The agreement, initially signed by Iran and major world powers, including the US, has been plagued by tensions and delays since the Trump administration announced its withdrawal in 2018.
“We have shown in the nuclear deal and two rounds of negotiations that the enemy cannot be trusted,” General Shekarchi declared. His statement, though brief, appears to signal a hardening stance by Iran’s military establishment, which has been traditionally skeptical of international negotiations.
When asked about the military’s role in the ongoing negotiations, General Shekarchi replied, “We are waiting to receive orders from the Supreme Command of the Armed Forces.” This ambiguity leaves open the question of whether Iran’s military establishment has been actively involved in the negotiations, or is merely waiting for direction from its political leadership.
The comments have sent shockwaves through diplomatic circles, with some experts warning that a breakdown in negotiations could have far-reaching consequences for regional stability. “Iran’s military is not known for its willingness to compromise,” said Ali Vafai, a Middle East expert at the Brookings Institution in Washington. “If the military is now taking a hardline stance, it suggests that any further negotiations may be extremely difficult, if not impossible.”
In response to the statement, the US State Department released a statement reiterating its commitment to the negotiations, which have been facilitated by the European Union. “The United States remains committed to the JCPOA and is engaged in ongoing talks with Iran to revive the nuclear deal,” a spokesperson said.
The situation on the ground remains fluid, with Iranian officials hinting at potential military action if negotiations do not yield the desired results. As tensions escalate, the international community is holding its breath, waiting to see whether Iran’s military leadership will ultimately decide to push for a breakthrough or opt for a more confrontational approach.