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Iran Sees US Talks as "Battlefield," Will Only Deal on Its Own Terms

A senior Iranian lawmaker has framed ongoing diplomatic engagement with the United States as a direct continuation of the country's military and security efforts. Ebrahim Azizi emphasized that Tehran will only negotiate based on its strict national interests and established red lines. He stated that sending a team to proposed talks in Islamabad depends on receiving constructive feedback and positive signals from the American side. Azizi also reiterated key preconditions, including the situation in Lebanon and the release of Iran's frozen assets.

Key Points: Iran: Talks with US Are a "Continuation of the Battlefield"

  • Talks governed by national security
  • Negotiations seen as extension of military efforts
  • Iran has established non-negotiable red lines
  • Positive US signals needed for Islamabad meeting
  • Preconditions include Lebanon and frozen assets
2 min read

Talks with US "continuation of battlefield," must serve national interest: Iranian MP Ebrahim Azizi

Senior Iranian MP Ebrahim Azizi states negotiations with Washington serve national interest, are an extension of military efforts, and have firm red lines.

"We see the current negotiations as a continuation of the battlefield - Ebrahim Azizi"

Tehran, April 20

Ebrahim Azizi, the head of the Iranian Parliament's National Security Committee, has asserted in an interview with Al Jazeera that Tehran's engagement in diplomatic talks with the United States is strictly governed by national interest and security.

Addressing the prospect of participating in upcoming negotiations in Islamabad, Azizi stated that "Iran acts based on national interests" and remains prepared to do whatever is necessary to "secure the country's interests and security".

The senior lawmaker, a former IRGC commander, described the diplomatic process to Al Jazeera as a direct extension of the country's military efforts.

He noted, "We see the current negotiations as a continuation of the battlefield, and we see nothing other than the battlefield in this."

Azizi further explained that the negotiation arena is considered an opportunity only "if it yields achievements that sustain those of the battlefield".

However, he warned that this would not be the case "if the Americans intend to turn this into a field of excessive demands, based on their bullying approach."

While confirming that a decision has been reached to maintain dialogue with Washington, the committee head clarified to Al Jazeera that this "does not mean to negotiate at any cost" or to simply accept any "approach the other party practises".

He emphasised that Iran has established red lines which "must be observed".

Regarding the dispatch of a diplomatic team to Islamabad, Azizi suggested that the move depends on receiving constructive feedback.

He noted that while Tehran has "never feared the principle of negotiation," a final decision would rely on the American negotiating team providing a "positive signal" through the messages they have received from Iran.

The lawmaker also reiterated to Al Jazeera that Iran continues to stand firm on its established preconditions.

He specifically highlighted that the "issue of Lebanon has been very important for us" and noted that the "release of frozen assets has been among the preconditions of the Islamic Republic of Iran."

Azizi issued a warning regarding the interests of regional allies, stating to Al Jazeera that if actions are taken "contrary to the interests of the resistance front--which is part of our field of battle" or if previous commitments are ignored, it would signal a rejection of Iran's preconditions and carry natural consequences.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
"Continuation of the battlefield" is such a telling phrase. It shows how deeply adversarial the relationship is. As an observer from India, I worry how this tension affects global oil prices and our economy. Stability in the Gulf is crucial for us.
V
Vikram M
Every country has the right to protect its national interest, Iran is no different. But calling talks a 'battlefield' sets a negative tone from the start. Diplomacy requires some trust, yaar. Hope they find a middle path for everyone's sake.
P
Priya S
The mention of Lebanon and frozen assets is key. This isn't just about US-Iran. It's about the entire region's power balance. India must continue its pragmatic foreign policy—engaging with all sides without getting entangled. Chabahar port is too important for us.
R
Rohit P
Respectfully, I think the Iranian MP's language is counterproductive. If you go into a negotiation already calling it a war, what chance does peace have? India's own experience shows that dialogue works best when there's a basic level of goodwill.
K
Kavya N
The 'resistance front' comment is clearly about groups like Hezbollah. This directly impacts regional security. As a major importer of oil from the Middle East, India has a huge stake in ensuring these tensions don't boil over. Fingers crossed for diplomacy. 🤞

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