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Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf said Sunday that ongoing negotiations between Iran and the United States did not resolve the two countries' mistrust for one another, but have deepened their understanding of each other, according to an interview aired on Iranian television. The remarks come as a US-imposed ceasefire extension, announced by President Donald Trump on Truth Social, was set to expire within hours.

Coverage Comparison

The Jerusalem Post reported Ghalibaf's comments in two separate articles. In one, it highlighted his statement on the talks, focusing on disagreements over the Strait of Hormuz and nuclear issues. In another, it quoted his post on X/Twitter in which he said Iran would not accept negotiations "beneath the shadow of threats." The Russian state news agency TASS also carried extensive remarks from Ghalibaf, emphasizing his claim that Trump is trying to destroy Iran through economic pressure and by causing domestic conflicts.

All three reports agree on the core message: Ghalibaf accused the US of violating the ceasefire and seeking Iran's capitulation. However, they differ in emphasis. The Jerusalem Post framed his comments as a refusal to negotiate under duress, while TASS placed his remarks within a broader narrative of US and Israeli aggression.

Key Claims

  • Ghalibaf said that the main disagreements during the talks with the US were focused on the Strait of Hormuz and nuclear issues.
  • He claimed that the US attempted to mine the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran considered a violation of the ceasefire.
  • Ghalibaf asserted that Iran was not as strong as the US in military resources, but that Iran had won the war, citing the failed US effort to conquer Iran in "two to three days."
  • He accused Trump of seeking Iran's surrender or a justification to return to war, and said Tehran would not accept negotiations under threats.
  • According to TASS, Ghalibaf called on Iranians to maintain unity to thwart what he described as the enemy's plans, saying that any actions sowing discord would "play right into the enemy's hands."
  • Reports from both the Jerusalem Post and TASS noted that Trump announced on April 21 an intention to extend the ceasefire, which was set to expire within hours. However, according to Iranian state media, Tehran does not intend to comply with what it considers a unilaterally announced extension and will prioritize its own interests.

Perspectives

Iranian Government Perspective

Ghalibaf's remarks reflect the official Iranian line: that the US is engaging in "psychological warfare" and "economic pressure" to force Iran to capitulate. He frames the talks as a continuation of a war by other means, and reiterates that Iran will not negotiate under threat.

US Administration Perspective (as reported)

Trump's statements on Truth Social, as cited in the reports, characterize the naval blockade as "absolutely destroying Iran" and condition its removal on a deal. The administration has not publicly commented on Ghalibaf's latest remarks.

International Observers

The reports do not include independent analysis, but the inclusion of casualty figures and the timeline of the conflict (February 28 to April 7) suggests a prolonged military engagement with significant human cost. The fact that talks in Islamabad failed to produce a long-term settlement underscores the deep divide.

Conclusion

As the ceasefire remains in a precarious state, Ghalibaf's comments underscore the fragility of the diplomatic process. While both sides acknowledge that negotiations have improved mutual understanding, mistrust remains, and the path to a lasting agreement is unclear.