Iran accused the United States on Saturday of obstructing negotiations to end the war by making excessive and contradictory demands [1, 2, 3].
The accusations signal a breakdown in diplomatic progress between the two nations, raising the risk of renewed conflict as both sides maintain military readiness.
Senate Chairman Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf led the Iranian delegation during talks in Tehran [2]. He said the U.S. is presenting "excessive demands" and "contradictory positions" that are actively hindering the process of ending the war [2, 3].
Qalibaf indicated that Iran has utilized the current cease-fire period to strengthen its military capabilities. He said the country "rebuilt its armed forces during the cease-fire" [1].
The Iranian leader issued a stern warning to Washington regarding the possibility of a return to combat. Qalibaf said there would be a "crushing response if Washington returns to war" [1].
The tension comes as Tehran claims the U.S. is creating barriers to a sustainable peace agreement. Iranian officials said that the current American approach to the negotiations is designed to obstruct rather than facilitate a resolution [2, 3].
“"crushing response if Washington returns to war"”
The escalation in rhetoric suggests that the current cease-fire is fragile and being used by both parties as a strategic window for military preparation rather than a genuine diplomatic bridge. By publicly accusing the U.S. of bad-faith negotiating, Iran is signaling to its domestic audience and regional allies that it is prepared for a return to hostilities if its conditions are not met.
