Iran has asserted its readiness for military action should diplomatic efforts with the United States fall short. This statement comes as officials from both nations gear up for separate discussions in Qatar intended to facilitate the execution of their memorandum of understanding. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran’s Parliament Speaker and chief negotiator, emphasised during a state television interview that while Iran advocates for dialogue, they are also fully prepared for conflict if the US does not honour its commitments.

Ghalibaf elaborated on Iran’s ongoing pursuit of negotiations, stating, “We are pursuing dialogue, but if the dialogue is not implemented, we are also prepared for war and will respond accordingly.” This declaration highlights the delicate balance Iran seeks to maintain between diplomacy and military readiness.

Additionally, Ghalibaf reiterated that Iran’s nuclear programme is a critical aspect of their national rights, asserting that their nuclear activities comply with the frameworks established by the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. He asserted, “NPT obligations are being observed, but Iran’s nuclear rights and red lines are non-negotiable.”

Concerns Over International Guarantees

During the interview, Ghalibaf expressed scepticism regarding the reliability of international guarantees concerning Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Citing the experiences surrounding the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), he questioned the efficacy and credibility of prior agreements. He made it clear that Iran would not advance to the next phase of the MoU’s implementation until several crucial clauses are thoroughly established.

Among these clauses, Ghalibaf noted the importance of matters pertaining to Lebanon, oil exports, and safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. He stated, “In Article 1 of the memorandum, the US is committed to ending the war in Lebanon, guaranteeing that military operations will cease, and that national sovereignty will prevail.” This emphasis illustrates Iran’s dedication to regional stability as a byproduct of any agreement.

Furthermore, the Iranian Parliament Speaker accused US Secretary of State Marco Rubio of undermining Iran’s understanding with Lebanon. He alleged that Rubio’s efforts to normalise Lebanon’s relations with Israel contradict the goals laid out in the memorandum of understanding, underscoring the contentious nature of foreign diplomatic relations in the region.

Iran’s Oil Exports and Qatar’s Mediating Role

Ghalibaf also touched upon the revival of Iran’s oil exports, citing that following the lifting of restrictions, the country has successfully shipped more than 40 million barrels of oil. He contrasted this with previous periods when Iran faced significant export challenges, stating, “From the day the blockade was lifted until today, we have exported more than 40 million barrels.” His remarks suggest a significant shift in Iran’s economic landscape, linked to broader geopolitical dynamics.

In conjunction with these events, Qatar’s Foreign Minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, reiterated the country’s commitment to serving as a mediator. According to the Qatari Foreign Ministry, discussions regarding the ongoing US-Iran negotiations were conducted with American envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Qatar appears committed to fostering diplomatic dialogue emerging from the memorandum of understanding, although specifics of these discussions were not disclosed.

The backdrop of these developments speaks to the intricate web of international relations surrounding Iran, highlighting both the urgency and complexity of the current geopolitical climate as talks proceed in Doha.

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