Tehran:Iran's parliament speaker and chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, has announced that Tehran has delivered a clear response to the United States outlining its demands but is still waiting for an official reply from Washington.
According to Anadolu Agency – English, Qalibaf stated in an interview with Al Jazeera that Iran's response was conveyed through Qatari mediation. He emphasized that the responsibility now lies with the United States to make a decision and provide an official response.
Qalibaf highlighted that Iran's priority is peace, provided Washington accepts its conditions. He cautioned that any decision by US President Donald Trump to resume military operations against Iran would result in another defeat for Washington. Iran has reportedly strengthened its defenses and reorganized its armed forces in preparation for any renewed confrontation.
The Iranian negotiator reiterated that Washington must meet seven conditions set by Tehran for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and resuming negotiations. These conditions include lifting the US blockade and oil sanctions, releasing frozen Iranian assets, ending hostilities on all fronts, formally declaring an end to the conflict with Iran, and refraining from interference in Iran's internal affairs.
Qalibaf also mentioned an understanding reached with Oman on a new transit mechanism through the Strait of Hormuz, which is being discussed in indirect negotiations with Washington. He accused the US of imposing a blockade that affects food supplies, trade, and healthcare services in Iran.
The Iranian parliament speaker confirmed that the country's negotiating team remains unchanged and that he continues to lead the talks. He noted that mediation efforts have reduced the proposed response period from seven days to two days. The negotiations are being managed by a six-member committee within Iran's Supreme National Security Council.
Qalibaf expressed that an agreement with Washington is possible if the US honors previous understandings and avoids actions that undermine trust. He identified a lack of trust in Washington and excessive US demands as the main obstacles to reaching an agreement.
The Iranian official also claimed that US officials had visited Moscow to request Russian President Vladimir Putin's assistance in facilitating direct negotiations with Iran. He warned that continued fighting would harm regional countries, affecting both their security and economies.
The remarks come as diplomatic efforts continue to resolve the conflict between Iran and the US, which began with US-Israeli military attacks on Iran on February 28. Regional mediators, including Pakistan and Oman, are working to facilitate negotiations, but disagreements over sanctions, security guarantees, and the Strait of Hormuz persist.