Iran's chief negotiator Ghalibaf says the U.S. is looking to start a new war.

Iran’s chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, warned on Wednesday that the United States was attempting to restart hostilities and was hoping the Islamic Republic would capitulate.

In an audio message posted to his official website, Ghalibaf said, “The enemy’s movements, both overt and clandestine, show that despite economic and political pressure, it has not abandoned its military objectives and is seeking to start a new war.”

His comments came as Tehran and Washington intensified threats and exchanged proposals to end the conflict that erupted on February 28. A ceasefire has been in effect since April 8.

That same day, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned that the war could spread beyond the region if the United States and Israel resumed attacks, following remarks by former President Donald Trump that he would strike again unless Tehran agreed to a peace deal.

Ghalibaf said the United States was still hoping for Iran’s surrender and a favorable response to Washington’s “excessive demands,” while maintaining economic pressure and a naval blockade that began on April 13.

He added, “We must strengthen our preparations for an effective and forceful response to any potential attacks,” and declared that “Iran will never give in to intimidation, under any circumstances.”

Ghalibaf acknowledged the economic hardship faced by Iranians and called for “national unity.” He concluded, “Today it is clearer than ever that we are engaged in a war of wills. Whoever wins this war will write Iran’s history and determine its future.”

Vanguard News

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