Iran’s chief negotiator says Tehran does not trust the United States and will not agree to any deal unless it fully secures “Iranian rights,” as negotiations continue with Washington over ending the Middle East war and related regional issues. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf makes the remarks while reporting indicates U.S. President Donald Trump has sent a “tougher” peace proposal back to Iran, highlighting a widening gap between the parties.
Several outlets report that changes to the draft proposals could further delay a possible agreement aimed at formalizing an end to the Middle East conflict and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, after weeks of difficult talks marked by sharp rhetoric and intermittent flare-ups of violence. The reporting also places the current negotiation in the context of earlier U.S.-Iran discussions about Iran’s nuclear program, alongside past tensions that escalated after strikes in which Iran’s senior leadership was reportedly targeted.
While Iran maintains that its nuclear program is for civilian purposes, Western governments have expressed suspicion that it could be aimed at developing a weapon. Overall, the sources describe continued uncertainty and mutual mistrust as talks proceed.
