Iranian Parliament Speaker and the country’s chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, has accused U.S. President Donald Trump of engaging in what he described as “theater diplomacy,” saying Washington continues to send mixed signals by alternating between military threats and calls for negotiations. In a statement posted on social media platform X, Qalibaf criticized Trump’s recent rhetoric, saying the U.S. administration repeatedly announces the possibility of major military action before stepping back and expressing interest in diplomatic talks. “First they say a major attack is coming, then they say they want negotiations. This cycle of theater diplomacy continues,” Qalibaf wrote. He argued that Washington keeps shifting its position between military pressure and diplomatic engagement, creating uncertainty rather than building trust. According to Qalibaf, the repeated use of threats, broken promises, and what he called “false narratives” has failed to pressure Iran into changing its stance. “The strategy of intimidation has not worked,” he said. “It is time to accept the realities, honor commitments, and replace political theater with serious and responsible diplomacy.” Qalibaf’s remarks came after President Trump claimed that he had canceled plans for a large-scale military strike against Iran. Trump said Iran and several countries in the region had urged the United States to avoid military action, adding that diplomatic progress was within reach. The U.S. president also claimed that ongoing negotiations could lead to a temporary agreement involving the United States, Iran, and Oman. He said such a deal would reopen the Strait of Hormuz without delay and eliminate what he described as the Iranian nuclear threat. The exchange highlights the sharp differences between Tehran and Washington as both sides continue to send conflicting messages about diplomacy and the possibility of easing tensions in the region. While U.S. officials speak of negotiations and a potential agreement, Iranian leaders remain skeptical, arguing that meaningful progress will require the United States to move beyond threats and fulfill its commitments.

  Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker and senior negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf have defended the country’s latest military appointments, saying the newly selected commanders bring extensive battlefield experience to their new positions. Their comments came after Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei approved the appointment of six senior military commanders to key positions within Iran’s armed forces and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). In a post on his Telegram channel, Araghchi said the six commanders had demonstrated their capabilities during the two recent wars imposed on Iran. He described their combat experience as an important factor behind their selection for senior military roles. Ghalibaf also welcomed the appointments, according to a statement carried by Iranian state media. He specifically highlighted General Ahmad Vahidi, saying Vahidi led the IRGC during the recent 40-day war and gained significant operational experience during the conflict. Ghalibaf said the IRGC should continue its mission while drawing on the guidance and direction of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. He also stressed the importance of maintaining the force’s capabilities and experience as Iran faces continued regional security challenges. The latest appointments cover some of Iran’s most influential military positions. They include the chief and deputy chief of staff of the Armed Forces, the commander and deputy commander of the IRGC, the commander of the IRGC Navy, and the commander of the Basij paramilitary force. Iranian officials have presented the appointments as part of an effort to place experienced military figures in strategic command positions. The emphasis on commanders with recent battlefield experience also reflects the security pressures Iran has faced during the latest period of regional conflict. The appointments are expected to shape Iran’s military leadership and operational strategy in the period ahead, particularly as Tehran continues to deal with heightened tensions and evolving security challenges across the region.