Iran's parliament speaker says Tehran is not afraid of US talks failing, blending force with diplomacy.
The speaker of Iran’s parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, asserted on Monday that Tehran is completely undeterred by the potential breakdown of diplomatic discussions with the United States. Ghalibaf explained that Tehran views defense maneuvers and statecraft as interconnected tools rather than mutually exclusive choices. “Neither diplomacy prevents military operations, nor do military operations prevent diplomacy," he said. “At one point, with the threat of an attack and cutting off negotiations, you prevent Israel’s attack on Beirut. At another point, with an attack, you show that you are not afraid of negotiations being cut off and that you are fully prepared."
The legislative leader rejected the idea that the Islamic Republic must choose between armed conflict and diplomatic engagement, emphasizing that the regime intends to employ both tactically depending on the situation. “So it is not that we are supposed to either fight or negotiate," Ghalibaf added. “Rather, we are supposed to fight when it is time, and negotiate when it is time. This is how we can defeat the enemy. This is how, when we say negotiation is the continuation of struggle, it becomes real."
He underscored that the regime enters talks from a position of strength, maintaining deep skepticism regarding American intentions. “The hands of our armed forces are always open for action," he said. “Our goal is to end the war and create lasting security, not fireworks in relations with America. We also have no trust in the other side." (Read More)
