As indirect negotiations between Washington and Tehran continue in an effort to reach an agreement that would end the war that has been ongoing since 28 February, Iran has warned that the United States cannot be trusted. The warning came from Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf following reports that US President Donald Trump had adopted a tougher stance in response to Iran’s latest proposal.
According to Iran’s official news agency IRNA, Ghalibaf stated during a virtual parliamentary session that any potential agreement with Washington would not proceed unless the “rights of the Iranian people are fully guaranteed.” He added that Iranian negotiators “trust neither the words of the enemy nor its promises,” in reference to the United States.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that discussions and the exchange of messages between the two sides remain ongoing. At the same time, he stressed that no conclusions should be drawn until a clear outcome has been reached.
Araghchi described current media reports about the negotiations as “mere speculation” and said they should not be relied upon.
In parallel, Iran’s Tasnim News Agency quoted an informed Iranian source as saying that the exchange of draft texts between Tehran and Washington is continuing, and that it is natural for Iran to make amendments as well.
The source added that Iran’s benchmark remains the version of the document it is prepared to accept, emphasising that Trump’s amendments to the draft do not imply Iranian approval. The source also stated that Tehran is fully prepared for the possibility that the negotiations may fail to produce an understanding with Washington.
A More Hardline American Position
These Iranian statements follow reports that Trump had submitted a new proposal to Tehran containing stricter conditions regarding his vision for ending the conflict between the two sides, according to American media sources.
Both The New York Times and Axios reported that the US president had adopted a tougher position on several key issues, particularly concerning Iran’s nuclear programme.
Axios, citing a senior US official, reported that Trump had been informed Tehran could take up to three days to respond to his latest proposal. The official reportedly remarked that Iranian officials are “literally living in caves” and do not use email.
Sources familiar with the matter also told CBS News that Trump’s amendments to the memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran included significant changes concerning two major issues: the future of the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium.
According to the sources, the broad framework of the memorandum includes a 60-day cessation of hostilities, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping, and the establishment of a negotiating framework for renewed discussions over Iran’s nuclear programme.
The sources further told CBS News that the memorandum also includes the possibility of sanctions waivers or easing restrictions on Iran, potentially allowing access to billions of dollars in frozen assets, depending on the progress and success of the diplomatic process.
Iranian Guarantees
In a recorded interview with Fox News broadcast on Saturday, Trump stated that he had obtained assurances from Tehran that it would neither possess, manufacture, nor purchase any nuclear weapons.
“They agreed to that,” Trump said, describing the development as interesting. He explained that Iranian officials had initially told him they would not build a nuclear weapon, prompting him to ask whether they might acquire one through other means.
“I asked them, what if you bought a nuclear weapon? Now they’re saying, ‘We won’t build a nuclear weapon and we won’t buy one.'”
Trump also noted that he is “in no rush” to finalise an agreement with Iran, adding that talks are proceeding “slowly but steadily.”
“I think we’re getting what we want. If we don’t get what we want, things will go in a different direction,” he said.
In the same context, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth warned on Saturday that military operations could resume if negotiations with Tehran fail.
According to Tasnim News Agency, discussions between Iran and the United States regarding the text of a possible memorandum of understanding are still ongoing, with both sides continuing to propose amendments and revisions.
The agency stated that no final agreement has yet been reached and that all scenarios remain possible, including the failure of talks or rejection of any proposed understanding by either side.
The Nuclear File and the Strait of Hormuz
Iran’s nuclear programme remains the central point of contention in the negotiations.
Washington accuses Tehran of seeking to acquire nuclear weapons, an allegation Iran firmly rejects. Tehran maintains that its nuclear programme is intended solely for peaceful purposes and insists that any discussion on the matter must proceed through a gradual and phased process.
Available information suggests that Washington is seeking long-term restrictions on Iranian uranium enrichment and nuclear activities in exchange for partial sanctions relief. Tehran, however, continues to insist on guaranteed and effective sanctions removal before committing to any final obligations.
Reports have indicated that an unofficial version of the memorandum includes the release of up to $12 billion in frozen Iranian assets within a specified timeframe. However, Trump later stated that “there will be no exchange of money until further notice.”
The Strait of Hormuz remains a second major point of disagreement.
The United States opposes any arrangement that would allow Iran to control the strategic waterway. According to an unofficial draft reported by Iranian media, Tehran would retain “exclusive authority to determine the nature of vessels passing through” the strait.
This position was reinforced by a statement from a senior political official within Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, who declared that “establishing and consolidating Iranian sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz is more important than possessing nuclear weapons.”
Tehran closed the Strait of Hormuz in March following the US-Israeli war against Iran, prompting Washington to impose a naval blockade on Iranian ports that remains in place.
The strait represents one of the world’s most critical maritime corridors and serves as a key artery of global trade. Approximately 11 per cent of total global commerce passes through the waterway.
International Diplomatic Efforts
Alongside these developments, regional and international diplomatic activity has intensified in an attempt to contain escalation across the region.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced that he had held discussions with the Saudi Crown Prince, the Sultan of Oman, and the presidents of the United Arab Emirates and Egypt, stressing the urgent need for an agreement between the United States and Iran.
Macron emphasised that priority should be given to achieving a ceasefire and immediately reopening the Strait of Hormuz without conditions and in accordance with international law.
He added that negotiations should then continue towards a comprehensive and sustainable agreement covering other major issues, including Iran’s nuclear programme, its ballistic missile programme, and broader regional stability concerns.
The French president stated that France is prepared to play a full role in supporting the resumption of maritime navigation through the independent multinational mission established for that purpose. He also expressed France’s willingness to support discussions related to the nuclear file through its technical expertise and capabilities.
Uncertain Prospects
As Washington and Tehran continue exchanging proposals, warnings, and counter-proposals, the negotiations appear to be entering an increasingly uncertain phase.
The outcome could range from an agreement that gradually reduces tensions and opens the door to wider diplomatic engagement, to a complete collapse of negotiations and a return to direct military escalation between the two sides.
