Iran’s Hardline Speaker Issues Warning Over US Deal
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran’s hardline parliament speaker and chief negotiator, has cautioned that Iran will not uphold its commitments in a recently signed memorandum of understanding with the United States unless the U.S. also meets its obligations. This statement was reported by the media arm of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
“If the United States does not honor its commitments, there’s no way Iran will fulfill its own,” Ghalibaf declared.
His warning was echoed by Esmail Qaani, commander of the Quds Force, who cautioned the U.S. to be mindful of its position and to avoid confrontation with Muslims, stating, “Trump is trembling.” He suggested the U.S. should be wary not only of the Strait of Hormuz but of various other regions.
This warning followed an instance where President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian digitally signed the memorandum on a Wednesday, which is aimed at concluding the conflict and facilitating traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.
The memorandum is significant as it offers substantial economic relief to Iran while leaving some contentious nuclear matters unresolved for future negotiations within the next 60 days. As part of this agreement, Washington has pledged to lift the naval blockade, initiate a $300 billion reconstruction and development plan with regional partners, and phase out U.S. and U.N. sanctions according to a specified timeline laid out by U.S. officials.
The agreement also stipulates that all necessary financial transaction licenses, exemptions, and permits will be issued by the U.S.
In reciprocation, Iran reaffirmed its commitment not to pursue nuclear weapons, and both nations agreed to tackle the fate of Iran’s stockpile of enriched materials through future mechanisms, including on-site down-blending monitored by the International Atomic Energy Agency.
However, many of the most challenging issues have been postponed until the upcoming negotiation phase. Ghalibaf, known for his hardline stance, has a history closely tied to Iran’s security apparatus, raising questions about the durability of U.S.-Iran relations moving forward.
Notably, Ghalibaf served previously as a commander in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and has been a significant figure in Iran’s government, vowing that Trump would face consequences for his actions.
Experts indicate that while the U.S. may reach agreements with Iran, the officials involved have demonstrated little inclination to alter long-standing anti-U.S. sentiments. Ghalibaf, now 64, has deep roots in Iran’s security establishment, having climbed the ranks during the Iran-Iraq War.
His rise has often been marked by loyalty to the regime and a career marked by threats against U.S. interests, including past comments about the U.S. military facing dire repercussions for confrontation.
Concerns remain regarding whether Tehran’s leadership views compliance with the deal as advantageous or merely as a temporary measure. Analysts warn that despite potentially favorable agreements, the core objectives of the Iran regime may not shift in any substantial manner.
With Ghalibaf’s history marred by allegations of corruption, his role in the deal could be seen as more about his obedience to the regime rather than any form of moderation. Observers caution against interpreting Ghalibaf’s cooperation as a reflection of a more cooperative Iranian leadership.
The nuances of this deal, especially under the current leadership, suggest that while agreements may be made, the underlying mistrust and operational tactics may remain unchanged.
