Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmael Baghaei has rejected US President Donald Trump’s claim that the country’s leadership had approved a preliminary peace deal. The remarks came a day after the US announced the cessation of hostilities with Iran, following back-to-back strikes on the country on Wednesday and Thursday.
Trump had claimed on Thursday that a settlement could be signed as early as this weekend and that Iran’s Supreme Leader had approved the terms.
Baghaei said the claims were not true and stressed that Iran was only reviewing the peace deal terms.
He hinted that an agreement could be signed soon but did not mention any exact date or time.
Baghaei described recent reports as "speculation", adding that “the relevant authorities must review every detail of the text.”
“The text has almost been finalised in its major parts. The problem is that the contradictory positions of the United States have always caused turbulence and disruption in this process,” Baghaei said.
He stressed that Iran would not compromise on “its red lines".
Key issues such as the lifting of sanctions, unfreezing of assets, and the future of Iran’s uranium stockpile remain central to the ongoing negotiations.
According to officials, the agreement under discussion would reportedly extend the current truce, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and outline a framework for further talks on Iran’s nuclear programme.
Tehran has repeatedly rejected Trump’s demand that it hand over its enriched uranium stockpile and has insisted that its nuclear programme is entirely peaceful.
Iran’s chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, warned on Thursday that Washington’s “wrong strategies and impulsive decisions” were creating “an endless quagmire” in the region.
Sources in Iran say Tehran remains unconvinced that surrendering its enriched uranium would guarantee long-term peace and security for the country.
They vary that if they hand away their uranium, the US and Israel could launch a full-fledged military invasion of the country, since both sides don’t respect the international community and rules-based order.
Also read: US and Asian markets surge as Trump announces Iran peace deal
Follow us
