Iran Warns of Immediate Response to Threats, Cites US Commitment to Restrain Israel

Iran's chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf stated that while diplomacy with the United States is the priority, the nation is fully prepared for war should negotiations collapse. These comments come as Iranian and US delegations have concluded separate discussions in Doha, Qatar, regarding a memorandum of understanding. Qalibaf emphasized that Iran is pursuing dialogue but will respond militarily if commitments are not honored. He indicated that Iran would not move to the next phase of any agreement until key provisions of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) are fully implemented. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated that Iran will deliver an immediate and powerful response to any threat against its people or leadership. He added that US President Donald Trump has committed the U.S. to muzzling Israel, and if they ignore their master, Iran will school them. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi announced that talks with Qatari and Pakistani officials in Doha on implementing the memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran have concluded. Participants agreed that a communication channel would be established by the next day to report and record violations of the agreement. Gharibabadi also stated that it has been decided that part of the $6 billion in frozen funds would be used to purchase goods based on Iran’s needs.