Iranian negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf publicly argued for diplomacy with the US on state television, while criticizing hardline officials.
Ghalibaf has explicitly linked the refusal to negotiate to the ongoing US naval blockade, stating talks cannot proceed while it is in effect.
Ghalibaf provided new details about Iran's military preparations, stating they have been preparing to 'play new cards on the battlefield' over the past two weeks.
Ghalibaf's latest statement directly accuses Trump of seeking surrender or justifying war, and explicitly rejects talks under threat.
Iranian professor Seyed Mohammad Marandi has publicly warned US Vice President JD Vance not to travel to Islamabad for negotiations, stating no one in Tehran is willing to negotiate while the US naval blockade continues.
Ghalibaf's statement directly confirms the refusal to negotiate while the blockade is in place, adding his accusation that Trump seeks surrender or a pretext for war.
Ghalibaf's statement is a direct public confirmation of Iran's refusal to negotiate under the threat of the ongoing US naval blockade.
This message is a direct quote from Ghalibaf, providing the exact phrasing of his rejection: "We do not accept negotiations under the shadow of threats."
Ghalibaf, identified as the chief negotiator, added that Iran has prepared to reveal 'new cards on the battlefield' in the past two weeks.
Ghalibaf added that Iran has prepared to reveal 'new cards on the battlefield' in the last two weeks, signaling readiness for military escalation.
Ghalibaf's statement includes a direct message to President Trump, accusing the US of seeking to turn negotiations into a 'table of surrender' and justifying renewed war.
Ghalibaf's statement included a direct quote accusing Trump of seeking to turn negotiations into a 'table of surrender' or justify renewed warmongering.
Qalibaf's statement now includes a specific warning that Iran has prepared to reveal new 'cards on the battlefield'.
Ghalibaf's specific defense of diplomacy was made on Iranian state television on April 18, where he also reportedly criticized hardline officials.
