Iran’s Ghalibaf says actions, not assurances, will decide any deal

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, speaker of Iran’s parliament and a senior negotiator, said on Friday that Tehran does not trust promises or guarantees and will judge any agreement with the United States solely by actions taken on the ground. His remarks came as indirect negotiations between Washington and Tehran continue amid efforts to extend a fragile ceasefire and reach a broader political understanding. Writing on X, Ghalibaf said Iran secures concessions through strength rather than dialogue alone, arguing that any side entering an agreement must remain prepared for future confrontation. He added that Iran would not take any step before seeing concrete action from the other side. His comments underscore the deep mistrust that continues to shape relations between Tehran and Washington despite recent reports of progress in negotiations mediated by Qatar. Iranian officials have repeatedly stressed that previous agreements failed because, in their view, Western commitments were not fully implemented. The latest diplomatic efforts come as U.S. President Donald Trump prepares to make what he has described as a “final decision” on a proposed arrangement that could extend the current ceasefire and create additional time for negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme and regional security issues. Trump has said any future agreement must be stronger than previous nuclear deals and ensure that Iran cannot obtain a nuclear weapon. At the same time, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that Washington remains prepared to resume military strikes if diplomacy fails. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue security forum in Singapore, Hegseth said the United States retains the capability and resources to restart operations against Iran if necessary, while emphasising that the administration still prefers a negotiated settlement. Iranian sources familiar with the talks previously told local media that Tehran’s delegation has been pressing for the release of Iranian assets frozen abroad and relief from economic restrictions. The future of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile and the scope of sanctions relief remain among the most difficult issues under discussion. Qatar and Oman have played increasingly important roles in facilitating communication between the two sides in recent months. Regional governments have encouraged continued diplomacy, warning that any renewed military escalation could threaten energy supplies and maritime security across the Gulf. The current negotiations follow months of heightened tensions that disrupted shipping routes and raised concerns about stability in the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant share of the world’s oil and gas exports passes. International markets continue to closely monitor developments as diplomats seek a framework that could prevent a return to open co The post Iran’s Ghalibaf says actions, not assurances, will decide any deal appeared first on Khaama Press.