Iranian reformist criticizes Trump's ‘undiplomatic’ threats, warns against war

Neither military strikes nor negotiations are likely to fully end Iran's nuclear program, potentially only delaying its advancement, according to analysis from Michael Singh, a former senior director for Middle East affairs in the George W. Bush administration's National Security Council.

Speaking to Bloomberg, Singh suggested that achieving a complete cessation of Iran's nuclear ambitions through these means is improbable.

His assessment aligns with recent warnings from Ali Larijani, a former Iranian parliament speaker and current advisor to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who said this week that a military attack would compel Iran to aggressively pursue nuclear weapons for its defense.

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“It is possible to place the Islamic Republic of Iran’s nuclear activities under full verification, as has been done in previous years,” Pezeshkian told the Saudi leader in their phone call.

He also said that Iran seeks dialogue and rejects any military use of nuclear energy.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran has never sought war or conflict, and non-peaceful use of nuclear energy has absolutely no place in our security and defense doctrine,” media in Tehran quoted him as saying.

“We are not seeking war with any country, but we have no hesitation in defending ourselves, and our readiness and capabilities in this regard are at the highest level,” Pezeshkian said, according to a statement from his office.

Pezeshkian also said that Iran is ready to engage in dialogue to reduce tensions based on mutual interests and respect, according to the statement.

In recent days, Tehran has signaled its willingness to engage in indirect talks with the Trump administration, while the US continues to favor quicker, direct negotiations.

“I think it’s better if we have direct talks,” Trump said on Thursday. “I think it goes faster, and you understand the other side a lot better than if you go through intermediaries. They wanted to use intermediaries. I don’t think that’s necessarily true anymore.”

It remains unclear whether Iran has genuinely shifted its position or if President Trump is merely speculating about Tehran’s intentions.

The US administration has continued to escalate sanctions on Iran, aiming to fully halt the country’s oil exports—especially to China. Trump has also threatened that if Tehran does not make concessions, it can become the target of military strikes.

US President Donald Trump says he thinks Tehran wants to negotiate directly with Washington.

“I think it’s better if we have direct talks,” Trump said on Thursday. “I think it goes faster, and you understand the other side a lot better than if you go through intermediaries. They wanted to use intermediaries. I don’t think that’s necessarily true anymore.” he told reporters on Thursday.

It remains unclear whether Iran has genuinely shifted its position or if President Trump is merely speculating about Tehran’s intentions.

In recent days, Tehran has signaled its willingness to engage in indirect talks with the Trump administration, while the US continues to favor quicker, direct negotiations.

Republican Congressman Joe Wilson has introduced a bill in the US House of Representatives calling for the dismantling of Iran-backed groups in Iraq and sweeping sanctions on their affiliates.

The 'Free Iraq from Iran Act' specifically targets the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) and other militias, urging their complete removal from Iraq’s government and security forces. It conditions all US security assistance to Baghdad on dismantling these groups and severing their control over ministries​.

It also calls for the formal designation of 11 militias—including the Badr Corps, Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba, and Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada—as foreign terrorist organizations.

The bill also names former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, key Iraqi officials, and entities such as Al-Rafidain Bank for potential sanctions​.

Iran seeks dialogue and rejects any military use of nuclear energy, President Masoud Pezeshkian told Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in a phone call on Thursday.

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“We are not seeking war with any country, but we have no hesitation in defending ourselves, and our readiness and capabilities in this regard are at the highest level,” Pezeshkian said, according to a statement from his office.

The statement added that Pezeshkian said the non-peaceful use of nuclear energy has no place in Iran's security and defense doctrine.

Pezeshkian also said that Iran is ready to engage in dialogue to reduce tensions based on mutual interests and respect, according to the statement.