Irans Top Negotiator Ghalibaf: War Is Not Welcomed, But Diplomacy and Military Readiness Must Go Hand in Hand

Irans chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf says Tehran has never welcomed war, but it must always be ready to fight and stand until the end to safeguard its national security and interests We must also use the tools of diplomacy and negotiations to realize and secure our national interests, Ghalibaf says If Iran is not going to benefit from the Memorandum of Understanding signed with the US, it has no reason to adhere to it, he added Negotiations at this stage are not equivalent to compromise, but, along with war, are part of the strategy of resistance and protection of our national interests, Ghalibaf says Separating and choosing either negotiations or war as the only solution is a strategic error, he added News Analysis & Summary In a series of pointed remarks, Irans chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf clarified Tehrans strategic posture, emphasizing that while Iran does not seek war, it must remain perpetually prepared to defend its national security and interests. Ghalibaf stressed that diplomacy and negotiations are essential toolsnot signs of weaknessand should be used alongside military readiness as part of a comprehensive resistance strategy. He warned that if the memorandum of understanding signed with the United States fails to benefit Iran, there is no obligation to adhere to it. Ghalibaf also rejected the binary choice between negotiation and war, calling it a strategic error. In my opinion, this statement reflects a calculated dual-track approach common in Iranian policy: leveraging diplomatic channels to gain concessions while maintaining a credible deterrent. It signals to both domestic hardliners and foreign adversaries that Iran will not be forced into submission, yet remains open to dialogue when it serves its interests. However, the ambiguity of 'benefit' could lead to further tensions, as each side may interpret terms differently, risking a collapse of trust and a return to confrontation. Source: @AlArabiya_Eng on X/TwitterPublic Engagement Views: 5,209 Likes: 35 Comments: 4 Shares: 13 Published: July 15, 2026, 5:49 pm