Iranian Military Spokesperson Mocks US Ceasefire Efforts, Dismisses Trump's Claims
An Iranian military spokesperson has publicly ridiculed United States efforts to broker a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict, casting fresh doubt over Washington's proposed 15-point peace plan. The remarks from Lt. Col. Ebrahim Zolfaghari, speaking on state television on Wednesday, directly dismiss claims by former US President Donald Trump that discussions were underway, suggesting instead that the US was "negotiating with itself."
"Have Your Internal Conflicts Reached This Point?"
In a recorded statement, Zolfaghari posed a pointed question: "Have your internal conflicts reached the point where you are negotiating with yourselves?" He continued with a firm declaration, "People like us can never get along with people like you. As we have always said... no one like us will make a deal with you. Not now. Not ever."
The spokesperson further criticized US strategic posture, stating, "The strategic power you used to talk about has turned into a strategic failure. Don't dress up your defeat as an agreement. Your era of empty promises has come to an end."
Background of Distrust and Diplomatic Efforts
Iran has previously stated it cannot negotiate with the US, citing attacks on the country twice during high-level negotiations in the past two years. The war, now in its fourth week, has resulted in thousands of deaths, created the worst energy shock in history, and sparked global inflation fears.
The remarks come after a 15-point US proposal was conveyed to Tehran through intermediaries from Pakistan, which has also offered to host potential talks. While the plan has been described as a framework to de-escalate the conflict, Tehran's response indicates little appetite for negotiations.
Military Posture and Regional Tensions
Zolfaghari, who represents Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters—the joint command overseeing both the regular military and the Revolutionary Guard—earlier mocked Trump in English, saying, "Hey Trump, you're fired! You're familiar with that phrase. Thank you for your attention."
Even as diplomatic efforts falter, the US is ramping up its military posture in the region. The Pentagon is deploying two Marine units, adding roughly 5,000 troops and thousands of sailors, to maintain what officials describe as "maximum flexibility." This move has reportedly caught Israel off guard, with its leadership said to favor continued military pressure over a ceasefire.
Ongoing Conflict and Economic Impact
Meanwhile, the conflict shows no signs of easing. Airstrikes continue to hit Iran, while Iranian missiles and drones target Israel and other sites across the region. Mounting economic pressure is also shaping the battlefield, with disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz rattling global energy markets, sending oil prices higher, and intensifying calls within the US for a resolution.
Despite these pressures, Tehran's message remains uncompromising, highlighting the deep-seated tensions and challenges in achieving peace in the volatile region.
