'We don't negotiate under threats' - Iran to US
Key Takeaways
- Ghalibaf said Iran "never negotiate[s] in the face of threats and force."
- Tehran reported progress on discussions involving Lebanon, the Strait of Hormuz and frozen assets.
- US and Iranian negotiators continue talks under a 60-day framework aimed at reaching a final agreement.
Lead negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf says Tehran remains deeply distrustful of the US despite reporting progress in key areas of talks
Iran's chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Tehran refused to negotiate under pressure, revealing details of tensions that emerged during the latest round of talks with the United States in Switzerland.
Speaking to Iranian State TV on Monday while returning from Burgenstock, Ghalibaf said comments made by US President Donald Trump nearly disrupted the negotiations.
"Trump had spoken in a highly threatening manner toward both the negotiating delegation and our president, as well as regarding an attack on our territory," he revealed.
"Right there, I told Mr Vance, 'Mr Vance, we are having discussions here, and we signed the first clause here stating that there should be no threats or force'; however, today your president spoke of threats and force. Know that we never negotiate in the face of threats and force."
The talks involved US and Iranian officials alongside mediators from Pakistan and Qatar.
Ghalibaf said Iran continues to view Washington with suspicion despite engaging in negotiations.
"We have been really distrustful of the Americans, and we still distrust them; when we look at their crimes, it is only logical that we distrust them," he admitted.
Despite the tensions, Ghalibaf described the discussions as productive.
"Especially the discussions regarding the strait [Hormuz], Lebanon, the oil waiver, and the issue of releasing the funds [Iran's frozen assets], which is one of the steps forward; however, we believe we are still at the beginning and must continue to strive."
The remarks followed a series of comments by Trump on Sunday warning Iran over developments in Lebanon and the Strait of Hormuz.
Media reports said the Iranian delegation briefly left the negotiating room and complained to mediators before returning, describing the interruption as a pause rather than a withdrawal.
Following the talks, US Vice President JD Vance said negotiators had made progress despite what he called "a little bit of threatening and a little bit of whining."
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also reported advances in the discussions.
"Pakistani and Qatari mediation has delivered major progress to end Lebanon War," he posted on social media.
"Oil and petrochem exports are waived, blockade lifted, some frozen assets released, and major reconstruction and development plan launched for Iran."
The negotiations are taking place under a Memorandum of Understanding reached last week between the United States and Iran, which gives both sides 60 days to secure a final agreement.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
