Iran Warns of 'Reciprocal Action' if US Violates Deal, Denies Seeking Talks
Iran has warned the United States of a 'reciprocal action' if it breaches any commitments, days after US President Donald Trump declared that the ceasefire with Tehran is 'over'. The warning was issued by Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson, as quoted by state television.
'Any US breach of commitments will be met with reciprocal action,' the spokesperson said. The ministry also denied Trump's claim that Tehran had requested the US to continue negotiations. 'We did not request negotiations with the US, but we accepted the Qatari mediators' trip to Iran,' the ministry stated.
The exchange comes amid heightened tensions between the two countries following a period of relative calm during the funeral of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Since the Iran-US deal was signed last month, the sides have exchanged fire in the Middle East, putting the truce into a fragile state. Explosions were recently reported in Iran, with the US denying involvement.
Iran's top negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, asserted that the confrontation with the US would not end with Tehran'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,' he said. 'Whenever the Americans betray the understanding, we are fully prepared to defend ourselves; we will stand firmly against them and secure the rights of the Iranian people.'
Ghalibaf also stated that during negotiations with the US, he made it clear to US Vice President JD Vance that Iran has 'no trust in them'. 'From my point of view, those who can negotiate with America are those who are prepared for war,' he added.
Ali Khomeini, grandson of the Islamic Republic's founder, Ruhollah Khomeini, echoed Ghalibaf's remarks, saying the talks with the US are 'not peace negotiations'. 'If you see that the Islamic Republic talks about negotiations, it is not about peace negotiations. Can we make peace with criminal America? Our identity is 'non-compromise with arrogance'. Negotiation means war, and war has different forms. Anyone who wants to negotiate in order to reach peace with America is a traitor,' he said.
Despite the strong rhetoric, a delegation from Qatar, which has been mediating between the two sides, arrived in Iran on Friday for talks, according to local media. Trump has expressed willingness to continue negotiations.
The situation remains fluid, with both sides signaling a readiness for further dialogue while also warning of consequences if commitments are broken.
