Tehran, August 20: Iranian President Masoud Pajeshkian stated that engaging in talks with the United States does not signify surrender.
During a conference in Tehran on Wednesday, Pajeshkian emphasized the need to protect Iran’s territorial integrity. This information was released through a statement on the presidential office’s website.
He remarked, “In the negotiation process, we are moving forward step by step with our full strength, taking into account wisdom, respect, and necessity.”
Pajeshkian outlined the goals of ending the war, lifting the anti-Iranian naval blockade, releasing the country’s seized assets, and then resuming nuclear discussions.
He has consistently asserted that surrender is not an option.
According to a report by Xinhua News Agency, local media cited an American official stating that President Donald Trump instructed top administration diplomats to halt negotiations with Iran.
On Wednesday, Trump announced “significant economic action” against Iran, just hours after claiming that conditions with Iran were “very good.”
Tehran and Washington had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on June 18 to cease hostilities on all fronts. However, it remains unclear how discussions will proceed after the 60-day negotiation period ended on Monday, amid rising tensions between the two parties last month.
Additionally, a senior Iranian lawmaker stated that a draft plan under consideration in Iran’s parliament aims to ensure security in the Strait of Hormuz by preventing enemy and spying vessels from passing through this strategic waterway.
In an interview with state broadcaster IRIB TV, Ibrahim Rezaei, a member of the parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, detailed the plan, which has received preliminary approval from the committee.
Rezaei noted that the plan includes provisions to deny passage to vessels deemed hostile or involved in espionage activities that could threaten Iran’s national security.
He added that Israeli military or civilian ships would also be barred from traversing the waterway, with enforcement monitored by the Iranian armed forces’ General Staff.
The plan also stipulates fees for passage in Iranian rials or other currencies, along with penalties for vessels violating the regulations. He stated, “If any government harms Iran’s interests or our citizens elsewhere in the world, we will address that government in the Hormuz.”
Further, the plan includes measures such as seizing cargo and imposing higher tariffs on governments that adopt a hostile stance toward Iran.
According to Iran’s official news agency IRNA, the parliamentary committee approved the general outline of the plan earlier this month.
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