Iranian parliament speaker criticizes Washington’s repeated threats while Trump signals possible Hormuz agreement
TEHRAN: Iranian Parliament Speaker and chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has accused the United States of pursuing what he called “theatre diplomacy,” criticizing President Donald Trump for repeatedly threatening military attacks before shifting back toward negotiations.
Writing on X, Ghalibaf mocked what he described as Washington’s recurring pattern of escalation and retreat. He argued that the United States announces major attacks, only to suspend them after claiming Iran has returned to negotiations.
Ghalibaf said pressure tactics, broken commitments and misinformation had failed to produce results. Instead, he urged Washington to recognize existing realities and fulfill its commitments if it genuinely wants diplomatic progress.
His remarks came as Trump said Thursday that he remained personally “involved” in negotiations aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Moreover, the US president suggested that the two sides could reach an agreement soon.
Military escalation complicates diplomatic efforts
The latest diplomatic exchanges follow weeks of military confrontation between Washington and Tehran. The United States has struck sites it identifies as facilities belonging to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, while Iran has retaliated against US military installations across several Gulf countries.
The escalation occurred despite a memorandum of understanding reached between Iran and the United States in June and subsequent negotiations toward a broader settlement.
However, talks later stalled amid disagreements over security guarantees and freedom of navigation through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
Trump signals negotiations after strike threats
Trump recently warned that Washington could strike Iranian energy facilities, bridges and power infrastructure if Tehran refused to cooperate. However, he later said he suspended planned attacks after Iran agreed to resume negotiations.
Meanwhile, several US media reports suggested concerns over depleted American interceptor missile stockpiles also influenced Washington’s decision to avoid further escalation.
Nevertheless, Ghalibaf maintained that threats would not move negotiations forward and called on Washington to replace public pressure with concrete commitments as both sides continue discussing security arrangements and navigation through Hormuz.
