Brig. Gen. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran’s chief negotiator, suggested on Wednesday that diplomatic channels with the United States remain open. This comes despite the recent escalation in hostilities between the two nations.
Ghalibaf, a figure known for his pragmatic conservative stance, released a statement asserting that Iran remains committed both to defending itself and engaging in dialogue. He stressed the importance of diplomacy as a tool to advance Iran’s national interests.
His statement followed a series of American airstrikes targeting Iranian military installations and critical infrastructure, including railroads and ports, which have caused significant damage across the nation. In response, Iran launched ballistic missile and drone attacks aimed at U.S. military bases in the Middle East.
The cease-fire agreement, a 14-point memorandum signed by both countries, has been declared void by Tehran and Washington. Both nations claim control over the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial channel for oil and gas shipping. Iran asserts the strait is closed, while the U.S. military has initiated a naval blockade on Iran’s southern coast.
In an apparent attempt to maintain diplomatic relations despite hostilities, Ghalibaf emphasized the need for synchronized military and diplomatic efforts. He noted that both warfare and negotiations serve to protect national interests, clarifying that engaging in negotiations does not equate to surrender.
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