Iran prepared to defend rights, speaker says after US fire exchanges

Tehran remains prepared to defend its rights and will not surrender in its ongoing conflict with the United States, according to Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran's top negotiator and parliament speaker. His remarks came after a week of renewed hostilities between the two nations, which have raised fears of a wider regional conflict.

“

Ending the war is a priority for the countries of the world, but everyone must know that this confrontation will never end with Iran's surrender.

"Ending the war is a priority for the countries of the world, but everyone must know that this confrontation will never end with Iran's surrender," Ghalibaf stated, as reported by ISNA news agency. He emphasized Iran's readiness to defend itself if the US betrays any understanding or agreement, vowing to "stand firmly against them and secure the rights of the Iranian people."

“

Whenever the Americans betray the understanding (agreement), we are fully prepared to defend ourselves; we will stand firmly against them and secure the rights of the Iranian people.

The US and Iran have exchanged fire on multiple occasions this week. Washington accused Tehran of targeting commercial ships, prompting retaliatory strikes from the US. Iran responded by claiming it attacked US assets in Middle Eastern countries using drones and missiles. This escalation occurred just over three weeks after the US and Iran signed an agreement aimed at establishing a durable peace.

“

From my point of view, those who can negotiate with America are those who are prepared for war.

Despite the tit-for-tat attacks, US President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he has agreed to further negotiations with Iran, even as he reiterated that the ceasefire between them is over. Meanwhile, a delegation from mediator Qatar arrived in Iran on Friday for talks, according to local media reports, following the latest escalation between the two countries. Ghalibaf also shared his perspective on negotiations, telling US Vice President JD Vance that "we have no trust in you" and that "those who can negotiate with America are those who are prepared for war."

“

I have agreed to further negotiations with Iran.