BAKU/ISLAMABAD -UNS : Iranian Parliament Speaker and chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf on Wednesday described the recently signed Iran–United States memorandum of understanding as “a declaration of American defeat,” saying the agreement was achieved through the resilience and steadfastness of the Iranian people rather than external pressure.
Addressing a meeting of the Parliamentary Union of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in Baku, Ghalibaf said the Islamabad-mediated agreement demonstrated the failure of Washington’s pressure-based policies towards Tehran.
“This agreement is not the result of coercion or intimidation; it is the outcome of the Iranian nation’s resistance, perseverance and strength,” he said.
Ghalibaf also stressed that countries in the region should independently shape the Middle East’s political and security architecture without foreign interference. He reiterated Iran’s willingness to expand cooperation with neighbouring countries based on mutual respect, sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs.
Nuclear Inspections Remain a Key Issue
His remarks came as differences persist between Tehran and Washington over the future framework for monitoring Iran’s nuclear programme.
The International Atomic Energy Agency has reaffirmed its commitment to continuing inspections despite conflicting positions from both sides regarding the scope of future oversight.
Pakistan-Brokered Memorandum
The latest diplomatic developments follow last week’s Islamabad-brokered memorandum of understanding, which formally ended hostilities between Iran and the United States and launched a 60-day negotiation process aimed at reaching a comprehensive settlement of outstanding disputes.
A fresh round of talks between Iranian and American officials is expected to take place next week.
Regional Diplomacy Intensifies
Meanwhile, Marco Rubio began a regional tour with a visit to the United Arab Emirates, while Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held discussions with senior leaders of Hamas on the ongoing negotiations and broader regional developments.
