Iranian President Hassan Rouhani’s chief rival, Tehran Mayor Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, has accused US President Donald Trump of imposing his will on Iran rather than engaging in discussions. This comes after Trump threatened military action against the Islamic Republic.
In a recent tweet, Trump warned Iran that any attack on the US or its interests would be met with a swift and decisive response. This statement was met with strong criticism from Ghalibaf, who accused Trump of trying to intimidate Iran instead of finding a peaceful solution through dialogue.
Ghalibaf, a former commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), is known for his hardline stance against the US and has been a vocal critic of the nuclear deal between Iran and world powers. He has also been a strong advocate for Iran’s military capabilities and has called for a more aggressive approach towards the US.
In response to Trump’s tweet, Ghalibaf tweeted, “Trump’s threats against Iran are a sign of his weakness and desperation. Instead of engaging in discussions, he is trying to impose his will on us. But we will not be intimidated by his empty threats.”
Ghalibaf’s comments reflect the growing tensions between the US and Iran, which have been on the rise since Trump’s decision to withdraw from the nuclear deal in 2018. The US has since imposed harsh economic sanctions on Iran, which have severely impacted the country’s economy.
Iran has also been facing internal challenges, including widespread protests over economic hardships and government corruption. Ghalibaf, who is seen as a potential successor to Rouhani, has been critical of the current administration’s handling of these issues and has promised a more aggressive approach towards the US.
However, many Iranians, including some hardliners, have criticized Ghalibaf’s comments and have called for a more diplomatic approach towards the US. They argue that Iran cannot afford to engage in a military conflict with the US, and that dialogue and negotiations are the only way to resolve the ongoing tensions.
In the past, Iran has shown its willingness to engage in discussions with the US, but only on its own terms. The country’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has repeatedly stated that Iran will not negotiate with the US unless all sanctions are lifted and the US returns to the nuclear deal.
Despite the tensions, there have been some signs of a possible thaw in relations between the two countries. In December 2019, Iran released an American researcher who had been detained for over three years on espionage charges. This was seen as a goodwill gesture towards the US, and there have been reports of backchannel talks between the two countries.
However, Trump’s recent tweet has once again raised concerns about the possibility of a military conflict between the US and Iran. Many fear that Trump’s aggressive rhetoric and actions could lead to a dangerous escalation in the already tense situation.
In the midst of all this, Ghalibaf’s comments serve as a reminder that there are still hardliners in Iran who are not willing to back down in the face of US pressure. They believe that Iran should not give in to US demands and should instead stand firm in the face of any threats.
It is clear that the US-Iran relations are at a critical juncture, and the actions of both countries in the coming days will have a significant impact on the future of their relationship. It is essential for both sides to exercise restraint and engage in meaningful discussions to find a peaceful resolution to their differences.
As for Ghalibaf’s accusations against Trump, it is crucial for the US president to understand that imposing his will on Iran will not lead to a solution. Instead, it will only further escalate tensions and potentially lead to a disastrous military conflict. It is time for both sides to put aside their differences and work towards finding a peaceful resolution through dialogue and negotiations.
