Iran’s chief negotiator has warned that Tehran will not agree to any deal with the United States unless it fully safeguards the rights and interests of the Iranian people, highlighting persistent divisions between the two sides despite ongoing negotiations.
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Speaking on Sunday, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Iran remains cautious in its dealings with Washington, stressing that the United States cannot be fully trusted during the negotiation process.
His remarks came amid reports that US President Donald Trump had returned a revised and tougher proposal to Tehran for consideration, underscoring the challenges facing efforts to reach a comprehensive agreement.
According to reports from US media outlets, the latest framework includes stricter conditions aimed at preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons and ensuring the reopening of the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping route.
Trump reiterated that his primary objective is to ensure Iran does not acquire nuclear weapons, claiming that Tehran had indicated a willingness to accept such guarantees. However, Iranian officials have repeatedly questioned Washington’s statements and maintain that significant differences remain unresolved.
“We will not approve any agreement until we are certain that the rights of the Iranian people have been upheld,” Ghalibaf said in comments broadcast on state television.
Iranian media reported that negotiations over a possible memorandum of understanding are continuing, with both sides exchanging amendments and proposals. Officials cautioned that no final agreement has been reached and that any draft could still be rejected.
Tehran has also reiterated its demand for the release of $12 billion in frozen Iranian assets before engaging in substantive discussions regarding its nuclear programme. Iranian authorities have dismissed earlier US claims that Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile would be eliminated as unfounded.
In addition, Iran has insisted that regional security issues, including developments in Lebanon, be addressed within any broader agreement, while tensions continue between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement.
Although a temporary ceasefire reached earlier this year reduced large-scale hostilities, sporadic clashes have continued. Iranian state media recently reported that the Revolutionary Guards had intercepted and downed a US military drone allegedly approaching Iranian territorial waters, a claim not confirmed by Washington.
Earlier this week, tensions escalated after reported military exchanges involving US forces and Iranian targets, raising concerns about the durability of the ceasefire.
Despite these incidents, diplomatic efforts remain active as both sides seek a framework that could ease tensions, restore stability in the Gulf region, and secure uninterrupted access through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for international energy supplies.
Disagreements also persist over navigation rights in the strait. While Trump stated that Iran would not impose tolls on vessels under any future agreement, Iranian sources have denied the existence of such provisions. Iranian lawmakers are reportedly considering legislation that would strengthen Tehran’s administrative control over the waterway, including the possibility of charging navigation-related fees.
