Tehran: Iran has warned the United States that any breach of commitments will be met with “reciprocal action”, signalling renewed tensions despite recent diplomatic efforts between the two countries. The warning comes days after US President Donald Trump declared that the ceasefire with Tehran was “over”.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry said any violation of understandings by Washington would draw a proportionate response. The ministry also rejected Trump’s claim that Tehran had requested the continuation of negotiations with the US.
“We did not request negotiations with the US, but we accepted the Qatari mediators’ trip to Iran,” the ministry said, according to Iranian state media.
Iran says it will not surrender
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said the conflict with the United States would not end with Iran’s surrender. He stressed that while ending the war remained a priority, Tehran was prepared to defend itself if Washington failed to honour its commitments.
“Whenever the Americans betray the understanding, we are fully prepared to defend ourselves. We will stand firmly against them and secure the rights of the Iranian people,” Ghalibaf said.
He also claimed that during discussions with US Vice President JD Vance, Iran had made it clear that it did not trust the United States.
Hardline stance on negotiations
Ali Khomeini, grandson of Islamic Republic founder Ruhollah Khomeini, also dismissed the idea that talks with Washington were aimed at achieving peace.
He said negotiations with the US should not be viewed as peace talks, arguing that Iran’s position remained one of resisting American influence. His remarks reflected the hardline stance held by sections of Iran’s political establishment.
Ceasefire remains fragile
The latest statements come after renewed exchanges of fire between Iran and the United States in the Middle East, despite the agreement reached last month. Hostilities briefly subsided during the week-long funeral ceremonies for Iran’s former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
However, tensions resurfaced after explosions were reported in Iran a day after the funeral. The United States denied any involvement in the incidents.
Meanwhile, President Trump has indicated that further negotiations with Iran remain possible. A delegation from Qatar, which has been mediating between the two countries, arrived in Iran on Friday to continue diplomatic discussions aimed at preventing further escalation.
Conclusion
While diplomatic channels remain open through Qatari mediation, the sharp rhetoric from both Tehran and Washington underscores the fragile nature of the current truce. The coming rounds of talks are expected to play a crucial role in determining whether tensions ease or escalate further.