Iran's top negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, has publicly stated that Tehran secures concessions “not through dialogue, but with missiles”, adding: “we have no trust in guarantees or words”. This comes as US and Iranian negotiators have reportedly reached a tentative 60-day agreement to extend the ceasefire between the two nations and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Tentative Agreement Pending Trump's Approval
The proposed memorandum of understanding would require Iran to remove mines from the strait and cease harassing commercial shipping, while the US would lift its blockade on Iranian ports. US Vice President JD Vance confirmed that while the parties are close, an agreement is “not there yet”, with sticking points remaining regarding Iran's enriched uranium stockpile and enrichment activities.
Nuclear Program Negotiations
Donald Trump is currently weighing approval of the 60-day deal, which also aims to facilitate further negotiations on Iran's nuclear program. This comes despite his recent threats against Oman regarding control of the Strait of Hormuz. The deal is seen as a potential step towards de-escalation in the region, but Ghalibaf's remarks highlight the deep mistrust between the two nations.
In a related development, the US-Iran war has seen Tehran boasting that it has secured concessions from Trump “through missiles”, reflecting the tense atmosphere surrounding the negotiations.
