Iran-US Talks: Deeper Understanding Amidst Lingering Mistrust, Says Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf

In a recent interview with Iranian television, Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, the esteemed Speaker of the Iranian Parliament (Majlis), shed light on the ongoing negotiations between Iran and the United States. While acknowledging that the talks have yet to fully resolve the deep-seated mistrust between the two nations, Speaker Ghalibaf affirmed that these crucial discussions have undeniably fostered a deeper mutual understanding.

Key Disagreements: Hormuz and Nuclear Issues

Speaker Ghalibaf highlighted that some of the primary points of contention during the negotiations revolved around the strategic Strait of Hormuz and critical nuclear issues. He emphasized Iran’s consistent and unwavering commitment to ensuring the normalization of traffic in this vital waterway.

“We have always sought normalization of traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, and we still do,” he asserted. “If traffic was halted, it was solely because the ceasefire had not been fully established in Lebanon.”

He further underscored Iran’s sovereign right, stating unequivocally that it is inconceivable for other nations to traverse the Strait of Hormuz while Iranian vessels are denied passage. Ghalibaf exposed the aggressive intentions of the opposing side:

“They sought to launch an attack under the false pretext of opening the Strait of Hormuz, but thankfully, NATO and other allies refused to assist their belligerent agenda,” Ghalibaf revealed. “In this critical scenario, by their own admission and the consensus of global public opinion, we stand victorious.”

Iran’s Strategic Victory Against Aggression

Despite acknowledging that Iran may not possess the same military resources as the United States, Speaker Ghalibaf firmly declared Iran’s triumph in the conflict. He articulated a profound truth about modern warfare:

“Equipment and resources are undoubtedly important, but they are not always the decisive factors,” he wisely noted. “Through meticulous design and unparalleled preparedness, we were able to advance the war. The enemy gravely misunderstands our resilient nation and our brilliant military strategy… This is precisely why Trump is now compelled to request a ceasefire. Their aggressive goals remain unachieved. He arrogantly aimed to conquer Iran in merely two to three days; yet, here we are, having valiantly fought for over 40 days, forcing him to sue for peace.”

Ghalibaf recounted Iran’s resolute response to American threats:

“When Trump issued an ultimatum and threatened to strike our infrastructure, our message was clear: we would retaliate by striking their infrastructure too. He boasted of creating hell; we countered that if hell were created, it would first engulf American families and then the rest of the world. Yes, we would be affected, but the primary devastation would undoubtedly be upon them,” Ghalibaf powerfully stated.

Lebanon’s Crucial Role in Ceasefire Conditions

A pivotal condition for any proposed ceasefire, as discussed, is the indispensable inclusion of Lebanon. Speaker Ghalibaf elucidated the profound significance of this demand:

“For many years, Hezbollah has bravely confronted the Zionist regime, but in the recent conflict, Hezbollah fought valiantly for the Islamic Republic,” Ghalibaf explained. “The unified resistance front rallied to the aid of the Islamic Republic. Therefore, the establishment of a ceasefire must unequivocally include them, and this remains Iran’s non-negotiable condition for a lasting ceasefire in the region.”

Deterring US Provocations in Hormuz

Ghalibaf also recounted a critical incident involving the United States’ attempt to mine the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran rightfully deemed a blatant violation of the ceasefire. He shared a moment of decisive Iranian resolve:

“In Islamabad, I conveyed a clear message to the American delegation: if their mine-clearers dared to move even slightly beyond their designated position, we would undoubtedly open fire,” he recounted. “They promptly requested 15 minutes to issue orders for their withdrawal, and they complied without hesitation.”

Exposing Trump’s Deception

In a scathing assessment, Speaker Ghalibaf characterized US President Donald Trump as a “master of lying and psychological warfare.”

“Yesterday, he tweeted eight times, and a staggering seven of those were outright falsehoods,” Ghalibaf concluded, exposing the pervasive deceit emanating from the US leadership.