Iran’s Parliament Speaker stated amidst rising tensions between Tehran and Washington, with the United States increasing its forces in the Middle East and President Donald Trump warning of potential military action.
Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said that the nation is prepared to negotiate with the United States, only if talks are genuine and not aimed at imposing Washington’s will.
In a CNN interview in Tehran, Ghalibaf questioned the intent behind US overtures, stating, “We are ready to negotiate,” but adding that he believed the US president “just wants to impose (his will on others).”
This comes amidst rising tensions between Tehran and Washington, with the United States increasing its forces in the Middle East and President Donald Trump warning of potential military action.
Ghalibaf also addressed domestic issues, defending the government’s response to violent protests. He also vowed to take revenge for the blood of nearly 300 security officers killed in the unrest. While acknowledging some mismanagement of economic hardship, he largely attributed pressure to the tyrannical pressures of US sanctions.
The Parliament Speaker issued a direct warning to the US military presence, stating Iran would retaliate if attacked and American troops would be at risk. “Maybe Mr. Trump can start a war,” Ghalibaf said, “but he doesn’t have control over how it ends”.
TRUMP WARNS IRAN TO MAKE NUCLEAR DEAL
US President Donald Trump directed Iran on Wednesday to come to the negotiation table and make a deal on nuclear weapons or the next US attack would be far worse.
“Hopefully Iran will quickly ‘Come to the Table’ and negotiate a fair and equitable deal – NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS – one that is good for all parties. Time is running out, it is truly of the essence!” Trump wrote on social media.
Amid a buildup of US forces in the Middle East, Trump noted that his last warning to Iran was followed by a military strike in June.
“The next attack will be far worse! Don’t make that happen again,” Trump wrote. He repeated that a US “armada” was heading toward the Islamic Republic.
IRAN READY TO RESPOND
Iran also responded fiercely. “Any military action from the United States will result in Iran targeting the US, Israel and those who support it, Ali Shamkhani, an adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said in a post on X.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi also warned that Iran’s armed forces “are prepared – with their fingers on the trigger – to immediately and powerfully respond to ANY aggression.”
“At the same time,” Araqchi added, “Iran has always welcomed a mutually beneficial, fair and equitable NUCLEAR DEAL – on equal footing, and free from coercion, threats, and intimidation – which ensures Iran’s rights to PEACEFUL nuclear technology, and guarantees NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS.”
The US is conducting its largest military buildup in the Middle East since the June 2025 strikes on Iran.
With inputs from agencies
