Iranian leaders sharpened rhetoric ahead of potential fresh U.S. talks, vowing to unveil “new battlefield cards” while spurning negotiations “under threat’s shadow.”
Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf slammed U.S. President Donald Trump for turning talks into a “surrender table,” claiming Iran readied fresh military moves over two weeks. “Trump’s siege and ceasefire breach aim—in his fantasy—to make this a capitulation or spark new war. We reject talks amid threats; we’ve prepped new battlefield options,” Ghalibaf posted on X. President Massoud Pezeshkian called U.S. moves “unconstructive,” signaling demands for Iran’s submission: “Iranians won’t bow to coercion.”
State TV confirmed this Monday no delegation left for U.S. talks in Pakistan. The Pakistan-brokered truce, from April 8, nears expiry Wednesday U.S. time, after fruitless Islamabad round last weekend.
Trump told CNBC he opposes extending the ceasefire, touting U.S. leverage for “an excellent deal.” “I don’t want it. Time’s short,” he said. On Iran: “They have no choice.” He boasted of gutting their navy, air force, leaders—declaring victory, even quipping, “I’d have won Vietnam fast.” Failure means return: “We’re fully rearmed, stronger than before.”
In the chat, Trump hinted China aided Iran’s arms rebuild, citing a captured ship “carrying bad stuff—maybe a Chinese gift.” Surprised, despite expecting a Xi deal ahead of his mid-May trip.