"We have zero trust on US": Ghalibaf says Iran prepared for "full-scale defence"
Tehran, July 11
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stressed on Friday that Tehran remains prepared for "full-scale defence" should the US betray the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the two countries last month.
In an official Telegram post regarding his meeting with the Speaker of the Indonesian People's Consultative Assembly, Ahmad Muzani, Ghalibaf asserted that Iran has "zero trust" in the US, a sentiment he said he communicated to American Vice President JD Vance during the recent peace negotiations.
"During the negotiations, I made it clear to the Vice President of the United States that we have zero trust in you. In my view, only those prepared for war can negotiate with the U.S. We have never ceased our preparations to defend our country. The moment the Americans betray any understanding, we are prepared for a full-scale defence; we will stand firmly against them and will claim the rights of the Iranian nation," the post stated.
These remarks come against the backdrop of recent comments by U.S. President Donald Trump, who stated that while Washington has agreed to continue talks with the Islamic Republic at Tehran's request, US considers the ceasefire between the two sides to be "over."
"The Islamic Republic of Iran has asked us to continue 'talks.' We have agreed to do so, but the United States has stated to them, in no uncertain terms, that the ceasefire is OVER!" Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.
Trump's comments coincide with the arrival of Qatari negotiators in Iran, who are attempting to ease tensions and resume U.S.-Iran talks. According to CNN, citing a diplomat familiar with the matter, the visit was planned in coordination with the United States. The talks aim to de-escalate tensions and facilitate a potential return to negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As an American, I can see why Iran feels this way. Our government has a track record of breaking agreements when it suits them. Trump's "the ceasefire is OVER" tweet is incredibly provocative and dangerous. The US needs to show consistency if they want real diplomacy.
Ghalibaf is rightfully skeptical. US behavior in West Asia has been consistently destabilizing, from Iraq to Afghanistan, and now with this aggressive posture toward Iran. India should be careful about getting too cozy with Washington's agenda here—our energy security and diaspora ties with the Gulf matter more than American geopolitical games.
The Qatar angle is interesting. They're playing mediator again. But with Trump's erratic statements, even the best mediators can't create lasting peace. Iran is smart to maintain their defense capabilities while talking. That's just basic negotiation strategy.
A nuclear-armed Iran is a nightmare scenario for everyone, including India. But the US approach of maximum pressure and threats is counterproductive. If real diplomacy is the goal, Trump needs to stop with the confrontational tweets. Respectful criticism: India too should urge both sides to de-escalate. ☮️
This is classic US foreign policy: talk peace while threatening war. India learned this the hard way in 1971 when the US sent its Navy against us. We should support Iran's right to defend itself. Let's see what the Qatari delegation achieves—probably nothing if Trump keeps tweeting nonsense.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.