Iran's Top Negotiator: No Compromise with US Amid Fragile Ceasefire

Iran's chief negotiator and Parliament Speaker, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, declared on Saturday, May 23, 2026, that Tehran would not compromise in ongoing talks with the United States to end the current conflict, asserting that the US cannot be trusted as an honest negotiating party. This resolute stance was communicated during discussions in Tehran with Pakistan's army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, who is actively mediating to de-escalate tensions between Iran and the US. The negotiations are taking place against a backdrop of a fragile ceasefire, initiated in mid-April 2026, following weeks of an active 'war' that began on February 28, 2026. This conflict was sparked by US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran, to which Iran retaliated with missile and drone strikes on Israel and regional allies. Qalibaf specifically warned that Iran's armed forces have successfully rebuilt their capabilities during this ceasefire period, and any US attempt to 'foolishly restart the war' would face 'more forceful and bitter' consequences than at the outset of the conflict. Currently, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, has emphasized that the primary focus of the negotiations is to achieve a permanent cessation of hostilities and address issues such as ending the US naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Baghaei clarified that nuclear issues, including discussions about Iran's highly enriched uranium (HEU) stockpile or enrichment levels, are not part of the initial framework of the current negotiations and would be subject to separate discussions at a later stage. This aligns with Iran's reported long-standing position to defer nuclear talks until broader peace terms are established. However, the status of Iran's nuclear program, particularly its stockpile of near-weapons-grade uranium and its potential transfer abroad, remains a significant sticking point. Reports indicate that Iran's Supreme Leader has issued a directive that the country's highly enriched uranium must remain within its borders, further complicating a potential deal where the US insists on its removal. The US has repeatedly stated that Iran must never possess a nuclear weapon and has continued to impose sanctions aimed at crippling Iran's economy and military procurement networks. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking to journalists in India, acknowledged 'slight progress' or 'some progress' in the talks but underscored that deep and significant differences persist between the two sides. Despite diplomatic efforts by mediators like Pakistan and Oman, an earlier four-week United Nations conference aimed at reviewing the nuclear nonproliferation treaty concluded without consensus, largely due to ongoing disagreements between the US and Iran over Iran's nuclear activities and attacks on its facilities. Another critical area of contention is the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route for oil and gas. Iran has reportedly asserted its influence over the strait, leading to US and allied concerns about freedom of navigation and the potential for Iran to impose tolls or control transit. The US has maintained a naval blockade on Iranian ports, further intensifying economic pressure on Tehran. The current geopolitical landscape also sees continued US sanctions targeting Iran's financial and shipping networks, including those facilitating oil sales to China. The overall situation reflects a complex diplomatic challenge, with both sides maintaining firm positions on what they consider their national rights and security interests. While a fragile ceasefire holds, the underlying issues and lack of full trust indicate that a comprehensive resolution remains elusive, with the risk of renewed conflict hanging over the region. **Verification Details:** The headline's core claim that "Iran's top negotiator says Tehran will not compromise in talks with US" is directly corroborated by multiple credible news outlets (Reuters, Straits Times, Internazionale, The Guardian, Jerusalem Post, etc.) publishing on May 23, 2026, which identify Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, Parliament Speaker, as Iran's top negotiator and quote his statements. The context provided by the related articles (Trump, retaliation, ceasefire, armed forces rebuilt) is also highly current and relevant, as President Trump is the active US President involved in these negotiations, and the region is under a fragile ceasefire following a recent conflict. The sources are highly reputable news organizations and analytical institutes. **Fact Check Status:** Verified

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