Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran's chief negotiator, said on July 5 that Iran remains committed to avenging the killing of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, declaring: "We are not at peace with the United States, and we will never recognize Israel."
According to Iranian media, Ghalibaf made the remarks during a meeting in Tehran with Mohammad Darwish, head of the leadership council of Hamas. While emphasizing that Iran would not abandon its core positions, he also stated that the memorandum of understanding signed between Iran and the United States is currently being implemented, adding that "its implementation is difficult but achievable."
The memorandum, signed by the presidents of Iran and the United States on June 15, extended the ceasefire between the two countries for 60 days to allow negotiations on issues including Iran's nuclear program and to reach a final agreement.
The agreement also led to the partial reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the end of the U.S. naval blockade of Iran. The strategic waterway had been effectively closed during the 40-day war involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
The Speaker of Iran's Parliament stressed that there should be no "negotiations for the sake of negotiations," adding: "Diplomacy and negotiations must be capable of resolving the military deadlock while preserving and consolidating the achievements of our fighters."
Earlier, Iranian state media reported that delegations from Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and other groups backed by the Islamic Republic attended the funeral ceremonies for Iran's former Supreme Leader. Reports also indicated that representatives of Hamas and Hezbollah met on July 4 with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
Hamas is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union. Hezbollah is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, while the European Union designates only its military wing as a terrorist organization.
