"Ending war is a top priority for nations worldwide, but everyone needs to know that this confrontation will never conclude with Iran's surrender", stated Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran's parliament speaker and chief negotiator, on 10/7. He stressed that Iran is always ready to defend itself if the US does not adhere to commitments in the memorandum signed by the two countries in June. "We will resolutely resist them and ensure the rights of the Iranian people", he added.

Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf in Tehran on 16/4. Photo: Reuters

Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf in Tehran on 16/4. Photo: Reuters

This declaration followed continuous tit-for-tat attacks between the US and Iran in recent days, just over 3 weeks after they signed a memorandum to transform a ceasefire into lasting peace. The series of intense US strikes occurred after President Donald Trump declared the ceasefire over on 8/7, stating that negotiations with Tehran "are just a waste of time". Iran also argued that key provisions in the memorandum signed by both sides in mid-June had become invalid, warning the US of "dangerous consequences" from this action.

During negotiations with the US, Ghalibaf directly told Vice President JD Vance, "we do not trust you". He further stated, "in my view, only those prepared for a war can negotiate with the US".

Moment Iran launched missiles towards a US airbase on 8/7. Video: IRGC

President Trump said on 10/7 that the US had agreed to Iran's proposal to continue negotiations between the two countries after several days of clashes. However, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei denied that Tehran proposed resuming dialogue with Washington, though he confirmed they accepted a visit from Qatari mediators to Iran.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who is mediating the conflict, said he spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, urging Tehran to protect the "hard-won peace". Separately, Egypt's Foreign Ministry announced that Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty held a phone call with Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. The two top diplomats called on "all parties to prioritize diplomacy and dialogue, and return to the negotiating table".

Thanh Tam (According to AFP, CNN, Reuters)