Iran’s Hardline Speaker Issues Warning After U.S. Deal
Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, has issued a strong warning regarding a recently signed memorandum with the United States. He stated that Iran will not adhere to its commitments if the U.S. does not fulfill its own obligations. This message was reported by the media associated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Ghalibaf emphasized, “If the United States does not honor its commitments, Iran will not honor its own.” His sentiments were echoed by Esmail Qaani, the commander of the Quds Force, who cautioned the U.S. to be mindful of its position and avoid clashes with Muslim nations.
This warning comes after President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a memorandum aimed at ending ongoing conflicts and resuming traffic through the vital Strait of Hormuz. The memorandum offers Iran significant economic relief, while some of its challenging nuclear issues will be negotiated over the next 60 days.
As part of the agreement, the U.S. has agreed to lift its naval blockade, collaborate on a $300 billion reconstruction plan for Iran, and lift various sanctions. In return, Iran has committed to refraining from developing nuclear weapons and will address its enriched material in future discussions.
Despite this, experts question the likelihood of any real change in Iran’s behavior or its leadership’s attitudes toward the U.S. Ghalibaf, a veteran of Iran’s military and security sectors, has a history of strong anti-American rhetoric and has threatened action against U.S. forces in the past. His political career has been marked by loyalty to Iran’s security apparatus, giving rise to concerns about the agreement’s sustainability.
John Hannah, a former national security advisor, noted that Ghalibaf represents the leadership in Iran today. He highlighted that the fundamental issue remains whether Iran sees value in adhering to the agreement or if it views it as merely a tactic to gain time and power.
As discussions move forward, the U.S. response to Ghalibaf’s threats emphasizes a commitment to securing a strong deal and warns of consequences for non-compliance. White House spokeswoman Olivia Wales reiterated President Trump’s strong record in negotiations and reassured the public of America’s long-term security strategy.
