Tehran, 11 July (H.S.):
Iran on Saturday issued a fresh warning to the United States, saying any violation of commitments by Washington would be met with a reciprocal response, underscoring the fragile state of relations between the two countries despite renewed diplomatic engagement through regional mediators.
Speaking to Iranian state media, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei rejected claims by US President Donald Trump that Tehran had sought the continuation of direct negotiations with Washington. He clarified that Iran had not requested talks with the United States but had agreed to receive a delegation from Qatar, which has been acting as a mediator between the two sides.
The remarks came after President Trump declared that the previous understanding between Washington and Tehran was effectively over, raising fresh uncertainty over efforts to reduce tensions following weeks of military confrontation.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said the country remained committed to defending its sovereignty and national interests. He stressed that while the international community sought an end to the conflict, Iran would not accept surrender under pressure.
Ghalibaf also revealed that during previous discussions with US Vice President JD Vance, he had made it clear that Tehran did not trust Washington. He argued that meaningful negotiations could only take place from a position of strength, saying preparedness for conflict was essential to successful diplomacy.
Adding to the hardline messaging, Ali Khomeini, grandson of the founder of the Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, said negotiations with the United States should not be viewed as a path to reconciliation. He maintained that Iran's ideological position remained firmly opposed to compromise with the US and described diplomacy as another form of strategic confrontation rather than a peace process.
The latest statements follow renewed instability in US-Iran relations after a ceasefire arrangement reached last month came under strain. Although hostilities temporarily subsided during the week-long funeral ceremonies for Iran's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, tensions resurfaced soon afterward when explosions were reported inside Iran. The United States denied any involvement in those incidents.
Despite the sharp rhetoric from both sides, diplomatic contacts have not completely ceased. A Qatari delegation arrived in Tehran on Friday to continue mediation efforts aimed at preventing further escalation and encouraging dialogue between Washington and Tehran.
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
