Tehran, Iran – Web Desk: Iran’s top negotiator and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf declared on Thursday that the conflict with the United States “will never end with Iran’s surrender,” issuing a stern warning that Tehran is fully prepared for all forms of defense if Washington abandons the recent memorandum of understanding .
Speaking during a meeting with the Indonesian Parliament Speaker, Qalibaf emphasized that while ending war should be a priority for countries worldwide, all nations must understand that Iran’s stance against the US is unwavering. “We have never stopped preparing for our country’s defense,” he said, according to Iran’s official state media IRIB.
“If the United States withdraws from the agreement, Iran is completely ready for every kind of defense,” Qalibaf warned, reaffirming Tehran’s determination to protect its sovereignty and national security .
No Trust in America
Qalibaf also reiterated Iran’s deep distrust of the United States, stating that Tehran has “no trust whatsoever” in Washington. He noted that during negotiations, he had made this position “clearly” known to the US Vice President, underscoring the fundamental mistrust that continues to plague bilateral relations.
The senior Iranian official’s remarks come amid escalating tensions following renewed military exchanges between the two nations. Iranian officials have accused the US of violating the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with military strikes on Iranian territory, while Washington maintains its actions were in response to Iranian attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz .
Fragile Ceasefire Declared Over
The 14-point Islamabad MoU, signed last month with Pakistan and Qatar as mediators, had established a framework for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, easing certain financial sanctions, continuing technical nuclear negotiations, and maintaining a ceasefire on all fronts .
However, US President Donald Trump has declared the ceasefire agreement “over” following the latest clashes, while simultaneously confirming that Washington has agreed to continue negotiations at Iran’s request . This contradictory stance—ending the ceasefire while keeping diplomatic channels open—has created a complex and volatile situation that regional mediators are struggling to manage.
Full-Scale War Risks
Analysts warn that the current situation has brought the region closer to the brink of full-scale war. The Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 20% of global oil and 25% of seaborne oil trade transits, remains a critical flashpoint . Iran has warned all tankers passing through the strait to use routes approved by Tehran, while the US has reimposed sanctions on Iranian oil exports and carried out airstrikes targeting approximately 90 Iranian military sites .
Qatari mediators arrived in Tehran on Thursday in an effort to de-escalate tensions, focusing on implementing the MoU and resolving disputes related to maritime activity in the Strait of Hormuz . But Qalibaf’s defiant message suggests that Iran remains unwilling to capitulate, even as diplomatic efforts continue.
The US has adopted a “strike-then-pause” strategy, combining limited airstrikes with diplomatic overtures while maintaining a list of targets as leverage in negotiations, according to US officials . However, both sides acknowledge the situation remains highly volatile, and further clashes cannot be ruled out.
