Ahmad Vahidi, commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), reportedly told senior Iranian leaders that they have “tamed” President Trump and obtained what they wanted, according to Israel’s Channel 14. Vahidi added that the West naively expects reciprocal concessions, which he said will never occur.

Despite President Trump’s recent announcement on Truth Social that “IRAN HAS REQUESTED A MEETING,” the ongoing talks remain indirect and largely ineffective. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of Iran’s parliament, stated that Tehran will not negotiate a final end to hostilities until multiple clauses of a Memorandum of Understanding with Trump’s administration are fully implemented. These conditions include a complete cessation of U.S.-Iran hostilities, ending U.S. interference in the Strait of Hormuz, joint Iranian-Omani control of the waterway, U.S. oil waivers, and the release of Iranian frozen assets.

Iran International reported that Trump’s negotiators may be strengthening Iran’s hardliners rather than advancing diplomacy. In Bahrain, Trump described the Iranian system as led by clerics, emphasizing their significant influence.

Meanwhile, U.S. officials told the Wall Street Journal that despite discussions with the Pentagon about resuming strikes against Iran, Trump is currently prioritizing talks. They cautioned that further military action could derail diplomacy and undermine efforts to dismantle Iran’s nuclear program.

On July 2, while preparing to depart on the new Air Force One, Trump was asked if he was ready to return to all-out war, highlighting ongoing tensions.

Sources

  • The Hill
  • Israel’s Channel 14 (as cited by The Hill)
  • Iran International (as cited by The Hill)
  • Wall Street Journal (as cited by The Hill)