Iran’s parliament speaker and lead negotiator in discussions with the United States has criticised what he called Washington’s repeated cycle of threats and negotiations, describing President Donald Trump’s approach as “theatre diplomacy on loop.”
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf made the remarks in a post on X, referring to what he said was a pattern of announcing possible military action before reversing course and returning to dialogue.
“‘Massive attack coming … wait, never mind, they want to negotiate.’ That’s theatre diplomacy on loop,” Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf wrote on X.
Ghalibaf said attempts to use pressure tactics, unfulfilled commitments and misinformation represented a “failed strategy.”
“Acknowledge the facts and fulfill your commitments. We don’t need more theatre,” he added.
The comments came after Trump said on Thursday that he was “involved” in efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and indicated that a deal could be reached “soon.”
Tensions between Washington and Tehran have intensified in recent weeks, with both sides carrying out military strikes. The United States said it targeted facilities linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC), while Iran responded with attacks on what it described as US military positions in several Gulf nations, including Jordan, Bahrain and Kuwait.
The confrontation continued despite a memorandum of understanding reached between the two countries in June and the start of negotiations aimed at securing a broader agreement.
The discussions later reached an impasse over disputes involving security guarantees and navigation rights in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global route for energy shipments and international trade.
Trump last week warned that the United States could strike Iran “very hard,” including possible attacks on energy infrastructure, bridges and power facilities. He later said he decided against launching the strikes after Iran agreed to resume negotiations.
Several US media reports also indicated that concerns over limited interceptor missile supplies contributed to the decision to delay further military action against Iran.
