Iran Negotiator Claims U.S. Ceasefire Deal Is a 'Declaration of American Defeat'

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who is leading Tehran's negotiations with the United States, claimed that the recently signed Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) represents a defeat for Washington rather than a concession by Iran.

Speaking at a conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, Ghalibaf said the agreement was 'the product of the resistance and authority of the brave Iranian people,' arguing that it was not achieved through foreign pressure or coercion. He went on to describe the deal as 'a declaration of America's defeat,' according to regional and international media reports.

Terms of the Islamabad MOU

According to reports, the Pakistan-mediated agreement includes a halt to military hostilities between the United States and Iran, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the lifting of the U.S. naval blockade on Iran, and a commitment to begin follow-up negotiations over Iran's nuclear program within 60 days.

Lebanon Remains a Key Condition

Ghalibaf reiterated that ending Israeli military operations against the Iran-backed Hezbollah terror group in Lebanon remains a critical condition for Tehran. He said that 'a ceasefire in Lebanon is just as important to us as a ceasefire in Iran,' emphasizing that the end of the conflict in Lebanon was as significant as ending the fighting involving Iran.

Foreign Military Presence

The Iranian official also repeated Tehran's long-standing position that foreign military forces should eventually leave the Middle East, claiming that their presence contributes to regional instability rather than long-term security.

At the same time, Ghalibaf offered a more conciliatory message toward Gulf Arab states, saying Iran wants the region's future to be based on cooperation and coexistence instead of confrontation.

More Talks Expected

Pakistani officials, who are mediating the negotiations, said additional working-level talks between the United States and Iran are expected around June 29 or July 1 as both sides continue discussions over the next phase of the agreement.

Iranian officials have portrayed the agreement as a strategic victory, while the broader implications of the MOU and any future implementation remain to be seen.