Tehran: Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Baqer Qalibaf says the public debate over whether or not to negotiate with Iran's adversaries should not take on rigid opposites. Speaking to a gathering of commanders and staff from the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Chiefs of Staff on Saturday, Qalibaf seemed to address in particular a group of people who are sometimes referred to as 'the revolutionary front' in Iran.
According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Qalibaf emphasized the importance of unity following the recent statements by the Supreme Leader of the Revolution. 'The Supreme Leader of the Revolution yesterday adopted a transparent and clear position about. negotiating, and the president and cabinet members should definitely advance matters in accordance with the statement of the Leader of the Revolution,' Qalibaf said. He cautioned against creating division among the populace by categorizing them into supporters and opponents of negotiations.
On Friday, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, stated that negotiating with the United States government was 'unwise' and 'not honorable.' He referenced Iran's past experience in negotiating a comprehensive deal with six world countries, including the United States, in 2015. He pointed out that the U.S. administration that negotiated the deal failed to uphold its obligations, and the subsequent administration withdrew from the agreement.
Ayatollah Khamenei criticized the United States for not complying with the original agreement, highlighting that the current administration, led by U.S. President Donald Trump, was responsible for tearing up the agreement. Trump's administration also initiated a 'maximum pressure' campaign on Iran after withdrawing from the deal in 2018. Additionally, Trump ordered the assassination of IRGC commander Major General Qassem Soleimani, further straining relations.
Last week, Trump, now in office for a non-consecutive second term, signed a presidential memorandum to resume the 'maximum pressure' policy on Iran. Despite these actions, he has expressed interest in holding talks to reach a new deal with Iran. This has sparked a debate within Iran regarding whether to engage in dialogue with Washington once more.
Qalibaf underscored the gravity of Trump's actions by stating, 'Trump is Martyr Soleimani's murderer,' and reiterated the Leader's view that negotiating with America under such circumstances is not honorable.