Iran has said it does not trust the United States as efforts to reach a new agreement between the two countries remain stalled.
Iranian Parliament Speaker and chief negotiator, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, stated that Tehran would only accept a deal if it clearly protects the rights and interests of the Iranian people.
Speaking after taking the oath of office as parliament speaker, Qalibaf said Iran would not rely on American promises and would only honour its commitments after seeing concrete results.
“There is no trust in the enemy’s words and promises. Our only criterion is achieving tangible results before fulfilling our commitments,” he said.
His remarks came after U.S. President Donald Trump claimed Iran had assured Washington that it would not develop nuclear weapons. Reports also indicate that Trump recently sent a tougher proposal to Tehran as negotiations continue.
Trump has maintained that any agreement must prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and ensure the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping route.
Meanwhile, the conflict in the region intensified as Israeli forces captured the historic Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon, marking Israel’s deepest military advance into the country in more than two decades.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the seizure of the hilltop fortress as a major turning point in Israel’s military campaign.
“Today, we have returned to Beaufort united, determined and stronger than ever,” Netanyahu said, adding that Israel was taking the initiative across several fronts, including Lebanon, Gaza and Syria.
The operation drew international criticism, with France calling for an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said that while Israel has the right to defend itself, its continued military operations and growing presence in Lebanese territory could not be justified.
The castle, located near Nabatiyeh, was captured after days of fierce fighting between Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed that Israeli forces had raised their national flag over the fortress, which Israel previously occupied from 1982 until its withdrawal from Lebanon in 2000.
The latest developments come despite a ceasefire that has been in place since April and just days before another round of U.S.-Iran talks scheduled for June 2 and 3.
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