Ghalibaf says war with US won't end in “surrender”

Iran's chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, said on Friday that the confrontation with the United States would not end with Iran's "surrender," emphasizing that the Islamic Republic would "defend itself" against any US violation of the memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the war in the Middle East.

Speaking during a meeting with an Indonesian official, Ghalibaf said, according to the Iranian Students' News Agency (ISNA), "Ending the war is, of course, a priority for the countries of the world, but everyone must know that this confrontation will never end with Iran's surrender."

Referring to this week's exchange of attacks with Washington, he added: "Whenever the Americans violate the understanding, we are fully prepared to defend ourselves."

Tehran and Washington signed a memorandum of understanding in mid-June to end the war in the Middle East through mediation led by Pakistan, with Qatar playing a key role.

The memorandum paved the way for negotiations aimed at reaching a final agreement within 60 days, with the possibility of an extension.

However, fears of renewed conflict resurfaced this week following attacks attributed to Iran on vessels in the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

Washington responded by striking targets inside the Islamic Republic on Wednesday and Thursday.

Tehran retaliated by launching missiles and drones that it said targeted military bases used by the United States in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar.

Since signing the memorandum, the two sides have held one round of direct talks in Switzerland, in addition to indirect technical-level discussions in Doha.

Ghalibaf, who led Iran's delegation during last month's talks in Switzerland, said: "During the negotiations, I made it clear to U.S. Vice President JD Vance that we do not trust them. In my view, the only people capable of negotiating with America are those who are prepared for war."