Iran's Qalibaf Rejects US Deal Without Guarantees for Iranian Rights

Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament and chief negotiator, declared in a video broadcast by official Iranian television that Tehran will not endorse any agreement until it is certain that the rights of the Iranian people are safeguarded.

Tehran has set a clear ceiling for negotiations with Washington, emphasizing that it will not accept any deal that does not fulfill its fundamental demands. This stance emerged amid recent signals suggesting the two sides were nearing an understanding, despite ongoing disagreements over the nuclear file, freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, and frozen Iranian assets.

Qalibaf stressed that Iran’s approval hinges on guarantees that its core demands will be met. His remarks came as questions mounted regarding the future of the talks, following reports in US media about new amendments introduced by President Donald Trump’s administration to the proposal presented to Tehran.

In the televised message, Qalibaf reaffirmed that no agreement would be ratified before ensuring the protection of the Iranian people's rights.

New US Proposal Alters Negotiation Dynamics

Earlier, The New York Times reported that President Trump sent a new proposal to Iran containing stricter conditions, despite recent atmospheres suggesting the sides were close to reaching an understanding.

US reports indicated that any changes to the current proposal could cause further delays in negotiations, which have already spanned weeks and involved intense rounds of bargaining and political contention.

Axios reported that the US adopted a tougher stance on several key issues, particularly regarding Iran’s nuclear materials.

Trump Claims Guarantees on Iran’s Nuclear Ambitions

In an interview recorded in recent days and aired by Fox News on Saturday, Trump asserted that he had secured guarantees from Tehran that it would not acquire nuclear weapons.

He explained that the Iranians initially told him they would not manufacture nuclear arms and later confirmed they would not purchase such weapons either.

Trump stated, “I’m not in a hurry. Slowly but surely, I think we’re getting what we want,” adding that the situation could take “a different path” if Washington’s objectives in the negotiations are not met.

US Maintains Threat of Military Action

While negotiations continue, Washington has maintained a firm tone toward Iran. US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth affirmed on Saturday that the United States is capable of resuming war against Iran if the talks fail to produce desired outcomes.

The nuclear issue remains one of the most contentious points between the parties, with Washington accusing Tehran of seeking nuclear weapons—a charge Iran denies, insisting that a final discussion on this matter should follow the ongoing negotiation process.

Maritime Tensions Overshadow Talks

Disputes between the two sides extend beyond the nuclear program, with the Strait of Hormuz remaining a major unresolved issue.

After Iran closed the strait at the outbreak of the war on February 28, the United States responded by imposing a blockade on Iranian ports. Washington insists on rejecting Tehran’s continued control over this vital maritime passage.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Saturday that it disabled a ship attempting to reach an Iranian port by targeting its engine room with a missile.

Conversely, Iran’s Tasnim news agency quoted sailors stating that the US Navy continues to prevent Iranian commercial vessels from sailing.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps announced on Sunday that it shot down an American drone it said was preparing to enter Iranian territorial waters to carry out “hostile operations,” with no immediate US response reported.

Frozen Assets and Additional Obstacles

Iran is also demanding the release of billions of dollars in Iranian assets held in the United States.

According to Iranian television, citing an unofficial draft of the understanding, the agreement includes releasing $12 billion within sixty days.

However, Trump stated on Friday that there would be no exchange of funds “until further notice,” adding a new point of contention to the negotiation table.

Iran’s Broader Demands Include Regional Conflict

Beyond nuclear and economic issues, Tehran is pushing to include the war between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon as part of the wider understanding with Washington.

Iran demands an end to the conflict that began on March 2, viewing the resolution of this issue as part of the necessary arrangements to reach a comprehensive agreement between the two sides.