Iran says no US deal without guarantee of Iranian rights

Iran's chief negotiator, Mohammad Ghalibaf, declared on Sunday that Tehran will not accept any agreement with the United States that does not secure the rights of Iranians. Ghalibaf stated, "We will not approve any agreement until we are certain that the rights of the Iranian people have been upheld." He further conveyed a deep skepticism towards the U.S., adding that Iranian negotiators "neither trust the enemy’s words nor its promises."

These statements emerge as Iran and the U.S. continue to exchange proposals concerning a framework to end the war that began on February 28 and has engulfed the Middle East. Reports from The New York Times and Axios on Saturday indicated that U.S. President Donald Trump had sent a new framework to Tehran with reportedly "tougher" terms for Iran's consideration, though the specifics remain unclear.

“

We will not approve any agreement until we are certain that the rights of the Iranian people have been upheld.

Iran views the relief of sanctions and the release of its assets frozen in foreign banks as fundamental rights that must be ensured under any potential deal with the United States. Since the conflict's outbreak, Iran has maintained tight control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global energy conduit, and considers oversight of shipping through this waterway to be within its rights.

The ongoing negotiations and Iran's firm stance highlight the significant hurdles in reaching an agreement. Tehran's insistence on the upholding of its people's rights, including economic relief and control over strategic waterways, underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the region.

“

Iranian negotiators “neither trust the enemy’s words nor its promises.”