Iran accuses Trump of wrecking diplomacy
Key Takeaways
- Iran accused Trump of arrogance.
- Tehran suspended planned US talks.
- Both sides alleged agreement violations.
Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi has accused US President Donald Trump of pursuing what he described as "hegemonic and arrogant policies", insisting that Tehran has not resumed direct negotiations with Washington despite the memorandum of understanding signed last month.
Speaking in a telephone interview on Wednesday, Gharibabadi criticised Trump's approach to international affairs and questioned the US administration's commitment to diplomacy.
"The president that America is currently facing does not recognise international structures, nor international responsibility and rights. He constantly uses offensive language against various countries," he explained.
Gharibabadi said Iran had not entered formal negotiations with the United States, despite technical working groups being established after talks in Switzerland.
"We had not yet commenced negotiations with the US," Gharibabadi continued, adding that technical working groups were established following a meeting in Switzerland, but no sessions have taken place.
He said Tehran cancelled a meeting scheduled for last week, citing what it described as aggressive actions in the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on Iranian territory.
Gharibabadi said Iran informed Washington that it "would not participate in those talks."
Earlier on Wednesday, US Central Command announced overnight strikes against Iran, accusing Tehran of targeting commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian Parliament Speaker and chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf also accused Washington of committing "serious violations of the memorandum of understanding," including "attacks on southern Iran."
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it had launched strikes against 85 US military targets across the region in response.
Iran and the United States signed a memorandum of understanding on June 17 that included a ceasefire and the launch of an initial round of negotiations in Switzerland aimed at securing a final agreement.
In recent weeks, both governments have accused each other of breaching the terms of the agreement.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
