Iranian lawmaker says talks with US are “part of the battle”

A senior Iranian lawmaker, Ebrahim Rezaei, has stated that negotiations with the United States are viewed as an extension of the battlefield, warning that a lack of trust continues to threaten prospects for a deal.

Speaking to CNN, he said Tehran would have “no problem” with talks if it becomes convinced that the United States is acting sincerely and adhering to diplomatic rules, Caliber.Az reports.

Spokesperson for the Iranian parliament’s national security committee noted: “We have said many times that we view negotiations as an extension of the battlefield. We consider negotiations part of the battle.”

Commenting on key sticking points in the negotiations, Rezaei pointed to frozen Iranian assets abroad, saying Tehran does not currently see serious US efforts to develop a workable framework for an agreement.

He also emphasised the importance of sanctions relief, access to the banking system, and issues surrounding Lebanon, stating that Iran would not step back from what it calls the “resistance front.”

“The issue of Lebanon is very, very important for us,” he said.

According to him, Iran will “in no way retreat on the issue of the resistance front, its members, and especially Lebanon.”

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov